Belmont, NC – Coming off a big win over Southern Wesleyan University on Thursday night. The Converse College Women's Basketball team hit the road again to face Belmont Abbey College.  This would be the biggest test of the season for the young Valkyries team, as the Crusaders were sitting at the top of the Conference Carolinas standings.  However, this has been a different year for Converse, and they had won the last 3-4 games they have played.  They knew they were coming into the game as the underdog, but that would not stop them from giving Belmont Abbey everything they had.

Converse got the jump ball, as the first quarter began, but turned it over as they tried to set up the offensive.  Belmont Abbey was unable to take advantage of it and Keyshuna Fair put the Valkyries up 2-0, after converting two free throws.  The Crusaders would tie it up, but Fair hit a 3 to put Converse back up 5-2.  The quarter started to be a back and forth between both teams and Belmont Abbey suddenly found themselves up 11-8.  At the first media timeout, the Crusaders held a 1 point lead, 11-10.  Out of the time out, Belmont Abbey converted on a 3-pointer to increase their lead to 4, 14-10.  However, that was answered by a Keyshuna Fair 3. Belmont Abbey would go on a mini run and as the quarter came to an end, they led Converse 21-13. 

The start of the second quarter saw the Crusaders go up by 10, but saw Eva Carballo cut it back to 8. At the 7:30 mark of the quarter, the Crusaders would go back up by 10 points and then eventually go up 30-18.  Another Belmont Abbey 3-pointer, followed by a 3-point play, had the Valkyries behind 18 points, 36-18.  After a media timeout, the Valkyries would find themselves down 22 points, 42-20.  Unfortunately, Converse could not cut into the lead and as the teams headed into the locker room, the Crusaders would hold a 50-20 lead.

Belmont Abbey come out in the third quarter with a dominant offensive performance.  Half way through the quarter they would find themselves up by 40 points, 65-25.  The Valkyries began to score, but unfortunately, they were not able to cut into the lead.  However, they would continue to attack the basket, but were unable to convert.  On the other end, the Crusaders could not seem to miss and at the end of the quarter, they would lead 71-30.

The fourth quarter saw Converse get back on the scoreboard, but Belmont Abbey seemed to find the basket every time they came done the court.  However, in typical Valkyries fashion they did not give up and continued to play hard.  Unfortunately, Converse would fall further behind and was not able to put a dent in the lead.  As the buzzer sounded to end the game, the Valkyries would fall 95-39. 

Keyshuna Fair led Converse with 16 point, followed by Lindsey Hardin and Jordan Brown with 5 each.  These two teams will face each other again on Thursday night in Spartanburg.  The Valkyries will once again be the underdog and have an opportunity for an upset.  Thursday will be Senior Night for Converse and will honor Ashley Sides, Tierney Port and Jazmine Carter.  Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00pm.