Spartanburg, SC-- Converse president Betsy Fleming and Director of Athletics Joy Couch opened the Valkyries first lacrosse season with a ceremonial coin toss Saturday evening on Fulp Field. Lacrosse is the seventh sport added to Valkyries Athletics and is the only NCAA Division II lacrosse team in Spartanburg County.

Lees-McRae's established program managed to defeat the Valkyries 21-3, but were unable to shut them out as first-time player Betsy Ruppert (senior, Wapakoneta, OH) scored the first goal for Converse on a solo fast-break. Sam Crowder, a three-year player in high school, fired the other 2 scoring shots for the Valkyries.

Lees-McRae's Desiree Cox led the Bobcats, scoring 5 total goals and Cheryse Cox followed with 4 additional goals. Lees-McRae advances to 1-2 on th season while Converse falls to 0-1.

The Valkyries take the field again next Saturday at Noon on the home field against Belmont-Abbey (currently ranked 10th).