Greenville, SC – The Converse College Volleyball Team held its 2^nd and final Purple and Gold scrimmage Thursday night as they officially wrapped up their fall practice season.  The Gold team was looking to avenge their Monday night loss in the first scrimmage and just like 4 days ago, it would be a back and forth affair, with the Purple team prevailing 2-1 (25-22, 25-22, 19-25).

While both teams played to win, the purpose of the scrimmage was much more than that.  With the fall season moved to the spring, Head Coach Amy Bomar had the opportunity to bring her team closer, while also being able to put her freshman in game like situations.  For example, Freshman Gracie Crocker was able to play on the right side and in the middle.  She was able to excel at both positions, and this is something Coach Bomar acknowledges would not have been possible if they had a fall season.  Freshman, Mackenzie Day showed the ability to read and communicate, which makes the entire team stronger around her.  Day was a late commit to the program and has made an early and immediate impact.  

In addition, the 2 scrimmages also showcased a number of other newcomers to the program.    Freshman, Abbey Ray, was able to play on both pins and excelled wherever she was at, while Freshman, Grace Montgomery, was able to showcase how quick she was with her blocking.  Also, Freshman, Jasmine Hamilton, caught the eye of coach Bomar by showing that she can put her anywhere on the back row.  In fact, her play this week has helped take the Valkyries defense to another level.  "After reviewing today's match, I wish I made the line up to be underclassmen vs upperclassmen. I think it would have been a very close match", said Coach Bomar.  "I don't think I could have said that early on this fall, but these freshmen have come a long way since they first walked in our gym.  Having them be able to practice for an entire fall before we officially start our season has been such a huge blessing to that class".    

Another observation from the scrimmages was the play of Sophomores Sara Grace Westmoreland and Jasmine Finkley.  After tonight's scrimmage, Westmoreland said "It was great to finally be back on the court competitively again. Our team is so full of energy and positively that it always makes playing such a joy, and I think that really showed during our scrimmages".   With the leadership of the team's upperclassmen, Converse is feeling very positive going into the spring.  "The Sophomores are a huge reason that this Freshman class has come so far so fast", said Coach Bomar.  "They immediately took this class under their wings. With their spring season being cut short last year, it was evident they wanted to help this freshman class and start where they had left off last spring. Our Sophomores were also standouts tonight. They've really come into their own this year and have made a significant impact to this team's success this fall". 

Now that the fall practice season has concluded, Converse will now turn their attention to the spring.  They feel they are in a great position to be a major contender in Conference Carolinas.  However, they are not just satisfied with that.  The Valkyries are looking to compete for championship and this week's scrimmages showed they are putting themselves in that position.  After tonight's scrimmage Coach Bomar was able to reflect on what this week meant for the team.  "Seeing the girls back in jerseys was more refreshing and exciting than I could have imagined. We might have been playing against each other but seeing them rock the purple and gold was a perfect way to end our fall season."  The Valkyries will look to take their fall practice momentum into the spring.  If this week's scrimmages are any indication, they have certainly put themselves in a great position.