Lady Barons Look to Improve in 2009-2010 Season

STEUBENVILLE, OH - The Lady 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 team finished 4-18 (2-16), but this year's squad looks poised to make a better showing when their season begins on November 18.

Lady Barons coach Kelly Herrmann is optimistic about her team's potential this season. Leading the Lady Barons is senior Cara Mitchell, who finished 18^th in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate conference last season in scoring, 5^th in 3-point field goals, and 10^th in blocked shots. "Cara is a three year starter for us," Coach Herrmann remarked. "She scores well from the perimeter but can also drive to the basket. We'll rely on her scoring ability and her leadership this season."

Coach Herrmann was also quick to highlight the return of Jessica Belleque, who did not play last semester because she was studying abroad: "Jess is a very hard worker. She's a good scorer from the perimeter, and rebounds well as a guard." Sarah Viancourt also returns to the squad after a semester abroad. "Sarah has a strong inside presence," said Herrmann. "She has really worked and developed her offensive game, and she's a tough defender and rebounder."

Another solid returner to the squad is Marian Weber, who was 7^th in the AMCC last season with 7.5 rebounds per game. "Marian is a quick and athletic smaller post player. She runs the floor extremely well and leads our team's defense," said Herrmann. Also returning is Caitlin Donovan, who is "a solid leader, and very focused and dependable."

The Lady Barons begin their season at Penn State-Beaver on November 18. Gametime is 7pm at Penn State Beaver gym.