Franciscan 46, Chatham 76

Franciscan Starters 
Jazzlyn Melnyk, Abbigail Jannuzi, Lucy Wilkinson, Isa Saez-Pedraza, & Maria McCallen 

How It Happened 
    Franciscan made the trip to Pittsburgh on Wednesday afternoon to take on Chatham in their first of two meetings this season. The Cougars had an offensive explosion in the opening quarter and went on to secure victory. Maria McCallen led the Barons with her fourth consecutive double-digit scoring effort of the season.

    In the opening quarter, the Cougars shot 62.5% from the floor and a perfect 7-7 from the free throw line to score 28 points. The Barons scored 12 points in the first 10 minutes, with Jazzlyn Melnyk leading the way with six points on a pair of three-point field goals. Scoring slowed down for both teams the rest of the way, as both defenses stepped up and forced turnovers each way. Maria McCallen led the Barons in the second quarter with seven of her 12 points, but the Cougars held a 46-23 lead at the break. The third quarter was a streaky one for both teams, as the Cougars scored the first 11 points, and the Barons answered with eight in a row. The Barons battled hard till the end. The pulled in 14 rebounds in the fourth quarter, while scoring 15 points in the final frame. 

Inside the Numbers 
- McCallen led the Barons with 12 points. 
- Melnyk recorded double-digit rebounds for the 14th time this season.
- Emma Clow had four assists.
- The Barons won the rebounding battle 44-38.

Up Next 
Franciscan will head to Thiel on Saturday to take on the Tomcats. The Barons are 7-1 all-time against them, including wins in their last seven meetings dating back to the 2021-22 season. Last season at Thiel, the Barons won by a score of 59-46. Maria McCallen led the way with 17 points, and Emma Clow added 11 points off the bench. This season, Thiel has won five games, but they are seeking their first PAC win of the season. 

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