STEUBENVILLE – The Franciscan women's basketball team dropped an non-conference contest to visiting Carnegie Mellon, 75-44, Sunday afternoon.

Franciscan took the early lead with a jumper by freshman Tessa Crider in the first six seconds of action but the Tartans answered with a jump shot of their own to tie the game at 2-2. Carnegie Mellon hit a 3-pointer on its next possession, and freshman Angela Starre answered with another jump shot for the Lady Barons. The next three minutes consisted of back and forth possessions, until Starre made a layup to give Franiscan a 6-5 lead with just under six minutes to play in the first. A second 3-pointer put the Tartans ahead for good and Carnegie Mellon used a 20-5 run over the final five minutes to take control of the first quarter and the game, leading 26-10 after the first 10 minutes of action.

The Tartans took the offensive initiative to open the second quarter, scoring three quick points. Franciscan found an offensive spark in the quarter, however, as the Lady Barons shot 61.54% (8-for-13) in the second period. Junior Katelyn Sonneberger scored seven of her eight points for the game in the quarter and the Lady Barons put up 17 points in the second. Franciscan trailed the Tartans 45-27 going into the break.

Carnegie Mellon started the second half with an 18-point lead but Franciscan scored the first points of the half with two made free throws from Starre. The Tartans responded with a jump shot. Consecutive fouls and turnovers set the Barons behind as Carnegie Mellon scored fifteen points in the third quarter, compared to the Lady Barons' nine points.

Franciscan began the fourth quarter with a defensive rebound form senior Gaby DeJesus. After two quick layups from the Lady Barons, Carnegie Mellon took control of the final quarter, putting up fifteen more points to close out the game and seal the 75-44 win.

The Lady Barons were 33.9% from the floor and 60% from the free throw line. Starre lead the team with 18 points and eight rebounds while Sonneberger chipped in eight points and six rebounds.  

Franciscan will open Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference play as the Lady Barons host Pitt.-Greensburg on Wednesday for a 6pm tip.