Steubenville, OH- The Franciscan softball team played on its home field for the first time this season but Geneva spoiled the home opener as the Golden Tornadoes defeated FUS 18-8 and 7-3, Tuesday afternoon.

"[Geneva is] an experienced team and were able to execute the little things very well. We are starting to build our program and we need to execute plays - like advancing runners when they get on base," remarked head coach Jim Walker.

In the first game, the Lady Barons built a 7-1 lead going into the third inning.  Lindsey Finch, batting .357 for the season, went 3-7 today with a pair of RBIs and two runs scored. Finch led off the game with a single and Cecilia Lademan and Iliana followed suit, loading the bases. Therese Wood brought home Finch and Lademan with her double to left to give FUS a 2-0 lead after the first inning.

The bottom of the second was a big inning for FUS as the Lady Barons pushed their lead to five runs. One error by Geneva and five hits by the Lady Barons led to five runs and made the future of the game look bright. However the Golden Tornadoes showed their might in the top of the third with 10 runs.

Trailing 14-7, the Lady Barons scored a run in the bottom of the fifth but Geneva put up four more in the top of the sixth to seal the 18-8 win in the opening game.

The second game of the day proved to be better play by the Barons allowing only one unearned run though suffering the 7-3 loss. Wood, having a good defensive day at her brand new position at second, brought in an RBI with her double to left field and then the Barons patience at the plate resulted in four walks for the inning bringing in two additional runs. Pulice pitched her second complete game for the Barons snagging one strikeout.

"The girls just need to have confidence and believe in themselves - the coaches believe in them," were Coach's final words.

The Barons continue play after the Easter break on Tuesday, March 29, when they travel to Chatham.