By Cece Razo
Staff Writer
In the season opener, the Franciscan women’s basketball team faced La Roche University’s Red Hawks on Nov. 8 at 5:30pm in the Finnegan Fieldhouse.
Though the Barons suffered a tough loss, they showed great resilience and passion on the court.
Prior to the start of the game, lights went out and an outstanding promo video set the stage for the Barons. Fans, especially the parents, showed great energy and support. A family even brought a full-sized cardboard cutout of one of the athletes.
This energy helped motivate the Barons for the start of the first quarter. At tip off, Barons took the ball and senior point guard Ilena Gonzales scored the first points of the game. Off the bat, the Barons showed great alertness and awareness through rebounds and steals.
The Red Hawks proved a skilled competitor in fighting for ball control with their quick reflexes. They played a strong and tight offensive strategy with quick passes and always going for rebounds. Using this strategy, the Red Hawks took the lead at the end of the first quarter 4-22.
In the second quarter, La Roche continued their aggressive strategy by taking advantage of the Barons’ blunders. But, toward the end of the quarter, the Barons found their mojo again.
Sophomore point guard Moira Hughes had two back-to-back steals and Gonzales had a 3-point swish, bringing the crowd to its feet. The Red Hawks continued to cling onto their lead 15-41 but at least the Barons found their fire again.
The third quarter was the most exhilarating part of the game. The Barons played like never before. On high alert and quick to steal, they managed to double their score this quarter.
Sophomore forward Maria McCallen scored multiple times and proved to be an exceptional part in gaining traction for the team.
In the final quarter, the high energy from last quarter turned into a tense and pressured final battle. Unfortunately, the low energy and exhaustion got to the Barons and the Red Hawks won the game 36-88.
A rough start of the season for the Barons but an incredible effort. The Barons will remain home for the next game Wednesday Nov. 13 at 5:30pm and face off against The College of Wooster.