Franciscan Softball Gets First Win in University History

STEUBENVILLE, OH – The Franciscan University of Steubenville Lady Barons earned their first win in school history when they faced Penn State-Altoona in a home double header on Saturday afternoon. They split the two contests on the day, winning the first, 6-4, and losing the second, 10-2. The Lady Barons’ record now stands at 1-20 overall and hold an Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference record of 1-11. Coach Amanda Gutowski mentioned “It was an awesome experience. Our girls have worked extremely hard all season and for some players three seasons for this moment. I am so proud of all our girls.” Gutowski is the first NCAA coach of Franciscan University Softball as they are in their second year of NCAA Provisional Status and first with the AMCC. Katie Kirrane was the offensive standout for the Lady Barons in the first game, posting 2 hits, 3 RBIs, and 1 run. Nicole Lancour also had an impressive game with 3 hits and 2 runs scored. Katie Quitney and Bethany Fischer each had a hit and an RBI, while Kourtney Runyan had 2 hits and 1 run and Megan Quinlan contributed 1 hit and 2 runs. Andrea Layton led the Nitty Lions with 1 hit, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored. “We just lost our focus,” Gutowski commented on the second game. “We were so excited about our first win that it took us a few innings to settle down and really focus. The girls played well and scored a few runs, but we just ran out of innings.” The Lady Barons struggled in the second game, and lost by the mercy rule, 10-2. Bethany Fischer had 1 hit, 1 RBI, and 1 run in the loss, while Angelle Cupit continued her solid play on the season with 2 hits. Catcher Erin Cline led Penn State-Altoona with 4 hits, 1 RBI, and 3 runs. The Lady Barons’ next game is a home double header against Thiel College on Tuesday at 4 p.m.