FLORENCE, S.C.- In the final non-conference contest of 2015, the Valkyries found it tough sledding against nationally ranked Francis Marion falling 78-47 on Wednesday afternoon.

Converse (2-6) was led by Brianna James (Spartanburg, S.C.) and Khyrstal Ellis (Greenville, S.C.) as the only Valkyries in double-figures.  James posted 14 points in the contest while Ellis chipped in 12 points on 5-6 shooting from the floor.  Dah'Vielle Lucas (Mauldin, S.C.) grabbed a career-high 11 boards while Yashee Johnson (West Columbia, S.C.) hauled in 10 boards and had three rejections.

Francis Marion (10-1) jumped out to a big lead in the second quarter scoring 31 points and taking a 46-22 advantage into the break.  Converse shot 55% in the first half but turned the ball over 22 times.  Converse trailed 15-12 after the first ten minutes of action.

The Valkyries were outscored 32-25 in the second half with Bri James scoring ten of her 14 points in the second half.

The Valkyries could not overcome a season-high 37 turnovers despite gaining the edge on the boards 49-43.

Yashee Johnson, Paige Johnson (Greenville, S.C.), Dah'Vielle Lucas, and Kelcee Dozier (Blythewood, S.C.) scored four points each.

Converse will look to rebound in 2016 hosting Conference Carolinas foes Pfeiffer (Tues. Jan. 5) with Lees-McRae and King for Family Weekend on Jan. 8-9.  Tip-off is slated for 7pm against Pfeiffer.