SPARTANBURG, SC – The Valkyries basketball team dropped a 54-58 decision to the Crusaders of Belmont Abbey College Wednesday night at the Tom and Tracy Hannah Gymnasium. The Valkyries sported their pink jerseys in support of The Pink Zone for the current three game home series.

Converse (3-16 overall, 3-9 Conference Carolinas) got off to a slow start in the first half only shooting 27 percent from the floor and turning the ball over 13 times.  Belmont Abbey (10-8 overall, 9-3 Conference Carolinas) had 9 turnovers in the first half as well, but still held the lead 26-19 at the half.

The Purple and Gold gained their composure in the second half going on a 14-5 run in the first 7 minutes behind the strong play of Brandy Williams (Spartanburg, SC) who finished the game with 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists.

Belmont Abbey led 34-33 with 13:23 remaining and managed to extend the lead back to 52-43 with 4:21 remaining.  The Valkyries rallied for another run, outscoring the Crusaders 9-1 over the next 3 minutes, barely trailing at 52-53. Converse had possession looking to tie the game when a Latrell Nickens (Sumter, SC) turnover led to a fast break layup for the Crusader's Kelsey Long to extend their lead to four.  The Valkyries could not knock down the following three-point attempt to draw within striking distance again and would end the night with a 54-58 loss.

For the Valkyries senior Morgan Sacharski (Sussex, WI) grabbed 11 boards and scored 5 points on the night, while freshman Samira Gillcrese (Florence, SC) added 8 points, shooting 4-of-5 from the field.   

For the Crusaders Shayla Jackson fell just shy of a double-double with 10 points and 9 rebounds.  Paula Regalado and Melissa Foures added 15 and 12 points respectively.

Converse will host the Trojans of Mount Olive College on Saturday with a 2 PM tip-off.