GAFFNEY, S.C. – The Converse College lacrosse team was dealt a 22-1 loss at the hands of No. 13 Limestone College on Wednesday afternoon at Saints Field. 

GAME INFORMATION

Score: Limestone 22, Converse 1

Records: Limestone (2-0, 2-0 CC) Converse (0-2, 0-1 CC)

Location: Saints Field, Gaffney, S.C. 

INSIDE THE BOXSCORE

• Cassidy O'Neill scored the lone goal for the Valkyries during the contest.
• Madalynn Brunner grabbed three groundballs, while collecting 13 saves for the Converse defense.
• Haleigh McSwain was able to take three draw controls for the Purple and Gold.
• Limestone held a commanding 43-2 advantage in shots.

HOW IT HAPPENED

First Half

Limestone scored early and often in the first half of play, tallying 15 unanswered goals to begin the game. With the majority of the opening period in running clock mode, Converse looked poised to break through on the scoreboard with 4:16 remaining before halftime, but O'Neill's shot glanced off the keeper and out of harm's way. 

That was the only opportunity for the Valkyries in the opening 30 as Limestone took a 15-0 lead into the intermission. 

Second Half

The Saints lead ballooned to 19-0 after four straight goals to start the second half. However, Converse was finally able to push across a goal with 9:28 left in the contest. Kelsie Glass picked up a groundball to start a clear attempt for the Vals. After settling into the offensive zone, O'Neill called her own number, making a top-notch move in the crease and firing the ball past the Saints goalie. 

From that point the Valkyries defense picked up, allowing only three scores over the game's final 10 minutes, but it was not enough as Limestone took the 22-1 Conference Carolinas win. 

UP NEXT

The Valkyries will open the home portion of their schedule on Wednesday, February 19, playing host to Belmont Abbey. That contest is scheduled for 6 p.m.