MADELYN CONRAD
STAFF WRITER
The Franciscan University of Steubenville women’s basketball team fell 79-47 to the visiting Mount Aloysius Mounties on Wednesday, Jan. 30, after a difficult first half setback that left the team unable to level the score.
Although the Lady Barons started off the night with a seemingly easy 2-pointer from junior guard Kaitlyn Sonneberger, they were met with a tough first half after the Mounties showed a dominating performance, controlling points and gaining a 16-10 lead by the first quarter’s close.
Franciscan tied the game several times in the first five minutes of action before a 6-0 Mounties run provided Mount Aloysius with a lead they didn’t relinquish the rest of the night.
The Mounties opened the second quarter up nine points. Despite 3-pointers from junior guard Abby Baierl and senior guard Reagan Stead, as well as multiple free throws from sophomore guard Rebekah Nevarez, Franciscan was down 22 points by halftime, 41-19.
The Barons’ thrilling start to the third quarter began after momentum shifted their way. Multiple breakaway layup efforts by Baierl and freshman guard Tessa Crider proved to be impressive offensive efforts which narrowed the visiting team’s lead.
Thanks to a pair of 3-pointers from Stead and multiple Lady Baron layups, Franciscan outscored Mount Aloysius 23-19 in the third quarter. Stead scored off passes from senior guard Gaby De Jesus and freshman forward Grace Godich, helping the Lady Barons come within 10 points of their opponents.
The Lady Barons’ comeback attempt was then halted by the Mountie’s impressive fourth quarter performance, in which Franciscan could only contribute five points toward its overall total.
Although the Lady Barons put forth a strong effort, the Mount Aloysius Mounties took back control as they stretched their lead to 32 points. With that, the Mounties capped off the game with a score of 79-47.
Stead led the Lady Barons in points, with 11 during her 23 minutes of action. Freshman forward Angela Starre contributed as well with six points and a team-leading 11 rebounds for the Lady Barons.
Head Coach Suzy Delaney said, “We really struggled tonight. Credit to Mount Aloysius. They shot lights out. Late in the season, as a young team, we’re still looking for consistency. The team is eager to get back after it and prepare for Penn-State Behrend on Saturday.”
The Lady Barons will next look to record a win at home when they take on AMCC conference opponent La Roche College for the second time this season on Wednesday, Feb. 6, at 6 p.m.