Steubenville, OH-The windy weather factored into the Franciscan softball doubleheader against D'Youville as the visiting Spartans outscored the Lady Barons 33-2 between the two games and hit seven homeruns. D'Youville is projected to win the AMCC conference this season and have started out their conference play 4-0.

"They are a good hitting team and the type of offensive team we want to become," remarked head coach Jim Walker on one of the best teams in the league. "Our pitchers sometimes struggled hitting their spots and they made us pay for it."

The top of third in the first game harvested a massive Spartan attack scoring 10 runs and featured five hits sailing over the fence. Throughout the Spartan domination, the Lady Barons never gave up and put their all into every play. Opposing coaches have commented to Coach Walker on the hard work and never quit attitude that these ladies exemplify game after game. The positive attitude is a credit to these players' characters, that even after losing every game so far this season they persevere in all the games and represent the charism of Franciscan University.

"I'm proud that the girls were able to put the ball into play against a good pitcher. We are working on getting better every time and we did that today."

Senior Kalie McHenry was named the AMCC pitcher of the year for the 2015 season for D'Youville. She showed her strength striking out a combined 15 FUS batters. However, the Lady Barons battled enough to prevent complete shutouts. In the first game, catcher Anna King reached with a bunt single. Cecilia Lademan laid down a bunt of her own, pushing King to second with a sacrifice. Jordan Cunningham connected with a ball from McHenry and scored King with an RBI single to center.

After a big five run start from the Spartans in the first inning of the second game, the Barons answered with one run. Lademan singled up the middle and advanced to second on a passed ball. With two outs, Renee Shumay who went 2-5 on the day, doubled to center bringing Lademan safely home for the lone run of the game.  Shortstop Lindsey Finch had a respectable game in the field directly aiding in 12 FUS outs. The Lady Barons will continue the fight and the hopes of finding victory.

The Lady Barons return to the diamond when they host AMCC opponent, Penn State Altoona on Tuesday for a 3:00 pm doubleheader.