Barons Carry Momentum into 2009-2010 Season

STEUBENVILLE, OH - The Barons basketball team of Franciscan University of Steubenville has been hard at work the past three weeks preparing for their upcoming season. Last year's squad finished 4-21 (1-17), but played most of their games closer than their record would indicate, particularly in the second half of the season. The Barons' competitiveness at the end of last season, coupled with a solid veteran lineup, gives fourth-year coach Sean Donovan much optimism as the Barons prepare for their season opener on November 18 against Ohio University Eastern.

"We're really improving on last year," Donovan remarked. "We played very well at the close of last season...we learned at lot at the end of last year, and I think that will carry through to this season. We have ten returning players this year, and I'm looking forward to the solid leadership that my veterans will bring to this team."

Coach Donovan highlighted several players who were not with the team last spring who he feels will have an immediate impact: "Matt Liedel is returning this season after taking last year off. Connor Flanagan also returns to our lineup after spending last spring in Austria, and he is also a major contributor to the team."

The Barons are also led by senior guard Josh Ducoulombier, who was the second highest scorer in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference last season. Along with Ducoulombier, the projected starters are Liedel, Flanagan, sophomore guard Sam Titus, and senior Pete Burak.