Tumultuous, obstacle riddled, perseverance. These are only some of the descriptions for the events leading up to the matchup between the Valkyries and Trojans. From tornado warnings limiting practice time in the week to rain delays and even play in the rain and gusting winds, the conditions were less than ideal for the conference matchup. It was just another day in 2021.

Mt. Olive exploded out early, taking the doubles point with wins at all 3 positions. Tonya Glogowski-Watson and Taylor Parrott attempted to push the team's energy through, battling to a tough 4-6 loss. This momentum lead into the doubles, as the Trojans clinched the match by winning the number 3, 5, and 6 positions relatively quickly. However, the off and on rain and loss of momentum did not deter the rest of the Valkyries. María Belén Vendrell rallied from a set down to force a third set, while Marleen Prinz found herself in a decisive third set for the third time in her last four matches. Unfortunately, the Trojans were able to close those tight contests out as well.

Though the score did not go the way the Valkyries wanted, there are some bright spots to the contest. Despite the first 7-0 loss of his career at Converse, Coach Poda thought the match was in reach. "In many ways, we were mirror images of each other. We played doubles the same way. We wanted to build points the same way. We had similar game styles playing similar game styles at so many positions. They handled the adversity of the conditions really really well and we made some mistakes. They did not make those mistakes. So many good things from this that we can hopefully build on though," he stated.

Next Serve: The Valkyries are to return to action against Belmont Abbey on March 27 at 2 PM in Belmont, NC.