Franciscan 55, Bethany 89

Franciscan Starters 
Abbigail Jannuzi, Ilena Gonzales, Jazzlyn Melnyk, Caroline Reedy & Maria McCallen

How It Happened 
Franciscan made the short trip over the Ohio River to West Virginia on Wednesday evening to take on Bethany. Maria McCallen had another impressive performance with 26 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Barons in a tough loss to the Bison.

The Bison were able to take an early lead with six made three-pointers in the opening quarter. Maria McCallen got her day started with seven points in the opening quarter, and Jazzlyn Melnyk connected from deep in the opening 10 minutes of play. Both offenses slowed down in the second quarter. Ilena Gonzales got her day going with four points this quarter to lead the Barons, as they trailed 50-23 at the half.

Abbigail Januzzi connected on a pair of three-point field goals in the third to lead the way for the Barons in the third quarter. Unfortunately, the Bison were able to expand the lead, but that would not stop the Barons from finishing the game out strong. They outscored the Bison 20-12 in the fourth quarter. McCallen scored 11 of her 26 points in the final quarter, and Januzzi added two more three-point field goals to close out this one. 

Inside the Numbers 
- McCallen recorded her second double double of the season.
- 12 rebounds are a new season-high for McCallen.
- The Barons shot 9-12 (75%) from the free throw line.

Up Next 
Franciscan will return home to take on Thiel on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. The Barons are 5-1 all-time against the Tomcats, as they have won five straight against them. Last season in Steubenville, the Barons won 89-53, as Caroline Reedy led all scorers with 22 points. Four Barons in total scored in double-digits while they shot 48% from the field in the win.

Stay Connected 
Be sure to follow Franciscan Athletics on YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for the most in-depth coverage.