Box Score Spartanburg, S.C. - Converse (2-2, 0-1) took on Erskine (4-2, 1-0) in their conference opener on Wednesday afternoon. Erskine, a perennial contender in Conference Carolinas and one of the pre-season favorites this season, came out excited and ready to play. However, it was the Valkyries that struck first with the number two doubles pair of junior Belen Vendrell and freshman Marleen Prinz coming out quick with a 6-3 win. Momentum was strong with Converse, as they had mid-set leads in the other two doubles; however, Erskine displayed their pedigree in coming back to win both matches 6-4 to secure the doubles point for the Flying Fleet.

Sophomore, Tonya Glogowski-Watson, broke through with 6-4 6-3 win to even the score at 1-1. The Valkyries snagged the lead as Prinz picked up her second straight impressive win at number four singles 7-6(6) 6-1. After a tough match, Erskine secured the number five position. With the score deadlocked at 2-2, Valentina Aparicio rallied from a tough first set to win the second and force a deciding third set. Unfortunately, Erskine secured the match with nail biting wins at numbers one and three. The Flying Fleet also pulled out the wins at number six singles to secure the match.

Despite the loss, the Valkyries played themselves into opportunities to win. With every match in reach, Converse was on the verge of flipping the match in their favor. Since 2008, Converse had notched only three individual wins against the Flying Fleet. Today's match showed how much better this young group is becoming. Coach Alex Poda saw plenty of reason for optimism with this squad, "I am so proud of the mettle these ladies showed today. Despite the team loss, this is a turning point for our program. To see that we are at this level and capable of winning, it just gives a little more hunger in the coming month of preparation. It's also a turning point for Tonya, as her win is huge for her going forward. I cannot express how proud we all are of her for that win today and how it positively influenced the matches around her. We hope we can earn another shot at Erskine this season. Perhaps at conference." 

Up Next

The Valkyries return to action Sunday with a non-conference home bout against Limestone. First serve is set for 3:00 pm.