Catholic Central Alumni Face Off

STEUBENVILLE – The Franciscan University of Steubenville Lady Baron Soccer team's season opener started on a high note: 225 spectators, promising new talent, and the opportunity for local high school graduates to compete against one another. But the Lady Pioneers of Point Park University refused to back down, pushing Wednesday's game into overtime and beating the Lady Barons, 3-2.

"I'm proud of the girls," said FUS Head Soccer Coach Johann Marin, "but I'm not happy with the results. However, I'm confident in the direction our team is going. I was pleased with the first two goals and our play in general."

The first half started strong for the Lady Barons, with freshman forward Sarah Marrow scoring two goals. Marrow played soccer at Steubenville's Catholic Central High School before coming to Franciscan. Catholic Central's current girls' soccer team attended the game to cheer on Marrow and two other former teammates: Lady Baron forward Amanda Looman and midfielder Christiana Sengenberger.

Adding a twist the competition and the fan base was Lady Pioneer Anna Shaw. Shaw also played on the Catholic Central girls' soccer team with Marrow, Looman and Sengenberger. Shaw saw plenty of playing time as Point Park's goalkeeper for the second half.

Point Park got their first goal by Lauren Evans, making the score 2-1 at the end of the first half.

The second half was all back-and-forth play until the final minutes. Lady Pioneer Ryan Hall scored off a corner kick with two minutes left, sending the game into overtime. Three minutes in, Point Park's Casey Baldwin chipped the ball above the outstretched hands of Franciscan goalkeeper Sarah Thoms to give Point Park the win.

The Lady Barons will look to bounce back as they prepare for a second home game on Saturday, facing Geneva College at 2:00 p.m.