Spartanburg, SC – On a night that would honor three important members of the Converse College Women's Basketball program, it also presented a difficult challenge for the Valkyries, as they welcomed in the 24^th nationally ranked Belmont Abbey Crusaders.  These two teams met last week, and the Crusaders cruised to 56-point victory.  However, tonight was different as Seniors Ashley Sides, Jazmine Carter and Tierney Porter were recognized before the game and, for the first time this season, their families were able to watch them in person.

The energy generated from the pre-game ceremony, stayed with Converse as the first quarter began.  In the first 2 ½ minutes, the Valkyries jumped out to a 6-3 lead, behind the shooting of Jordan Brown.  Belmont Abbey eventually tied the game and then went up by 3, as they began to find their offensive rhythm.  With just under 2 minutes remaining in the quarter, the teams found themselves tied, 13-13, when Ashley Sides drained an outside 3-pointer.  Another Valkyries' 3-pointer, this time by Keyshuna Fair, which was followed up by a layup, also from Fair, gave Converse a five-point lead as the quarter ended, 18-13. 

The Crusaders started the second quarter off fast, going on an 8-0 run, to regain the lead, 21-18.  A layup by Sierra Davenport and a 3-pointer from Lindsey Hardin, helped the Valkyries go back on top.  Most of the quarter would see the scoring going back and forth, as both teams continued to exchange the lead between them.  With the score tied at 27-27, Belmont Abbey gained the momentum, to go on a 6-0 run, and as the half ended they would hold the lead, 33-27.

The third quarter would see a pair of runs, first by the Crusaders and then by Converse.  Belmont Abbey scored the first 5 points, in just two minutes, to increase their lead to 11, 38-27.  That was followed by a Valkyries' run, as Eva Carballo and Ashley Sides helped trim the lead to 41-40.  Two free throws from Sierra Davenport would put Converse back in front, 42-41, but the Crusaders took it back and at the end of the quarter, they led by a score of 49-45. 

Keyshuna Fair began the fourth quarter trimming the lead to 2 points, after converting 2 free throws.  However, behind 3-point shooting and layups in the paint, Belmont Abbey was able to extend their lead to double digits, 61-51.  The Valkyries had a lot of fight in them and would not let the Crusaders run away with the game.  Keyshuna Fair and Sierra Davenport kept Converse within striking distance, along with a late 3-pointer by Lindsey Hardin.  However, time was not on the Valkyries side and as it expired, Belmont Abbey would come away with the win, 69-63.

Keyshuna Fair led Converse with 17 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists.  She was followed by Sierra Davenport, who chipped in with 11 points and 8 rebounds. 
Playing in her last game in a Valkyries uniform, Ashley Sides finished with 10 points and 4 rebounds.  She also was 3-7 from the 3-point line.  While it was not the outcome the team had hoped for, the Seniors showed that this program is moving in the right direction.  They took the #24 team in the country to the wire and the Seniors know they are leaving the program in good hands.