SPARTANBURG, SC – The Converse basketball team won a hard fought game against the Falcons of Pfeiffer University, 71-67. Sophomore forward Katy Vaughan (Lebanon, TN) carried the Valkyries down the stretch with a 21 point second half, giving her 25 points for the game, shooting 72 percent from the floor (8-of-11).
The Valkyries (3-10 overall, 3-3 Conference Carolinas) get their third straight win to move into sixth place in the conference, just ahead of the Falcons (3-9 overall, 2-4 Conference Carolinas).
Converse had a very balanced attack in the first half with Vaughan, Latrell Nickens (Sumter, SC), Deondria Terrell (Atlanta, GA), and Brandy Williams (Spartanburg, SC) all putting up 4 points. Sophomore Jasmine Middlebrooks (Atlanta, GA) would lead the Valkyries in the first half with 7 points, 2 assists and 2 rebounds.
The Falcons were lead in the first half by the duo of Brittany Cox (Wintson-Salem, NC) and Christina Harvey (Locust Grove, VA) who contributed a combined 13 points, 3 assists, and 11 rebounds. Pfeiffer struggled in the first half, shooting 31 percent from the field (9-of-29). The Valkyries took a 30-23 lead into the locker room at half-time.
Pfeiffer came out hot to start the second half taking the lead at 39-38 with 14 minutes remaining. Kellie Rhoney (Catawba, NC) led her troops on the rally scoring 8 of her 10 points in the second half. Harvey's continued strong play would earn her a double –double with 18 points and 10 boards for the game.
Neither team could seize control until the final minute and a half when Vaughan was sent to the line with a score of 63-63, sinking both free-throws and allowing Converse a 2 point lead. A missed 3 pointer by Pfeiffer's Rhoney would lead to a Vaughan rebound and the cushion needed for the Valkyries to get away with the win.
Morgan Sacharski (Sussex, WI) played an all-around game for the Valkyries with 5 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists. Latrell Nickens (Sumter, SC) added 11 points for Converse.
The Valkyries (3-10 overall, 3-3 Conference Carolinas) will host the Flying Fleet of Erskine on Saturday, Jan. 15th at 2pm.
