SPARTANBURG, S.C. - The Converse Volleyball Team (3-16, 0-5 CC) faced Southern Wesleyan University (5-11, 2-5 CC) in a home match at the Hannah Gymnasium on Wednesday evening. Despite picking up the the critical second set of the game, the Vals were ultimately defeated 3-1 in the conference matchup.

 The first ten points of the opening set were evenly exchanged, but a four point spree by the Warriors put them ahead 13-10. The Valkyries tied the game back up 21-21 after a crucial kill by Elizabeth Yohe. But another four point run from Southern Wesleyan was enough to secure the 25-21 victory. 

The Purple and Gold came out firing on all cylinders taking the easy 5-1 lead to start the second set. The Warriors powered ahead and the Vals' lead dwindled down to a 21-21 tie. But two service aces by Lauren Tharrington lifted Converse to a 25-21 win, evening out the game. 

The Valkyries continued their momentum into the third set with an incredible seven point spurt to go ahead 7-2. But SWU refused to back down and tied the game back up 15-15. Even exchanges of the next several points led to an exciting 25-25 tie. But a couple of unfortunate errors gave the set to the Warriors, 27-25. 

In the must-win fourth set, Southern Wesleyan dominated going six points ahead, 10-4. The early deficit was too much to overcome as remainder of the game belonged to the Blue and Gold, who walked away with the 25-16 win. 

Lauren Tharrington recorded 23 assists, the most of her sophomore campaign. Teammate Morgan Pearson (15 kills/13 digs) and Elizabeth Yohe (13 kills/16 digs recorded double-doubles in the losing effort. 

The Purple and Gold will be back on the court Friday, October 5 to face Mount Olive in a home match at 7 p.m.