SPARTANBURG, SC-- The Converse College basketball team defeated Conference Carolinas foe Coker College 72-68 on Thursday evening in Converse's Hannah Gym. The win moves the Valkyries up to 2-7 in conference play (2-13 overall) while Coker falls to 2-12 on the season.

The first half opened with both teams trading shots. The largest lead in the first 15 minutes saw Converse at a six point advantage at 27-21 when Senior Ashley Arff hit three consecutive three pointers, only interrupted by one successful Coker free throw. Arff made six of nine shots from the arc and scored 22 points in the first half.

In the first period, Converse edged out Coker in three pointers (21pts-3pts), in free throws (6-4) and bench points (7-1). Coker held a solid firs half edge in points-in-the-paint, scoring 18 to the Valkyries' eight. After seven ties and more lead changes, the buzzer ended the opening 20 minutes with a tie at 37-37.

The battle continued through the second period as both teams traded points through 10 more ties. The Cobras managed to hold Arff to only three second-half points but the effort was not enough as Converse held a four point edge at the final buzzer, ending the game 72-68.

For the game Coker scored 24 points off of Converse turnovers while the Valkyries only converted Cobra turnovers for 12 points. Converse edged out Coker on bench points, scoring 26 to the Cobra's five.

Kiesha Beavers and Henna Koponen both scored 15 points apiece for Coker. Beavers grabbed eight total rebounds and Koponen chipped in seven more. Lotta Aaltonen grabbed 14 more points for the game.

Ashley Arff led the Valkyries with 25 points, three rebounds, and two assists. Alaina Smith followed with 13 points and freshman Katie Vaughn added eight more.

Converse takes the floor again on Saturday, January 23rd at home against Saint Andrews Presbyterian College. Tip-off is set for 2:00pm