PITTSBURGH, Pa. – The Franciscan volleyball team split the day at the La Roche Invitational as the Lady Barons defeated Clarks Summit in the second match of the day, 3-1, and lost to Houghton, 3-0, in the first match, Saturday.
 
"We played some really good volleyball today," remarked head coach Kelly Herrmann. "Houghton was a very good team but we were able to play well against them. Against Clarks Summit we were able to get everyone in. We are playing good volleyball right now, we just have to work on playing consistently volleyball."
 
For the day, junior Meghan Bayer had 30 kills between the two matches while junior Sydney Riley had 31 assists, including 23 against Clarks Summit.
 
Junior Lauren Betar led the team with 29 digs between the two matches, including 21 against Clarks Summit."
 
"Lo is getting a lot more comfortable in her role as libero now that she's a junior," remarked Coach Herrmann. "She is really stepping up and finding her voice controlling the defense and talking among the backline."
 
The Lady Baron blocking has continued to improve this season as the front line continues to work together. Sophomore Emily Nutter had four blocks against Houghton while Bayer led the team with five between the two matches and freshman Malorie Hussey had four in two matches.
 
"Malorie and Emily have really stepped up their blocking and are working well together," continued Coach Herrmann.
 
In their match against Clarks Summit, Franciscan won the first two sets 25-18, 25-17 between dropping the third, 25-21. The Lady Barons rebounded in the fourth set and raced out to a 10-5 lead. Franciscan used a four-point and six-point run to seal the 25-9 win in the fourth set.
 
Houghton held controlled the match from the beginning the opening round for the Lady Barons. The Highlanders won the first two sets 25-18, 25-11, before edging out a 25-23 win to seal the win.

The Lady Barons hit the road this week as they head to Bethany for a 7:00 pm match against the Bison on Wednesday, September 11.