Belmont, NC- Results don't always tell the full story. Converse traveled to Belmont Abbey and never quite captured momentum. The Valkyries did capture the first doubles win, as the number 1 pair of Tonya Glogowski-Watson and Taylor Parrott broke through with a 6-3 win. After some close losses this season, the pair was able to face adversity, trailing early, and turn it around for the big win. Belmont Abbey responded with a convincing win a number 3 doubles and closed out the doubles point with a tight win at number 2 doubles.

As the singles began, tension was high as teams appeared to trade matches back and forth. With the match knotted at 3-3, Belmont Abbey was able to clinch the win with a 3 set win at number 6 singles. However, the important note is the wins from the Valkyries all came from players in their first full season of competition. Glogowski-Watson led the day, with wins at both number 1 doubles and number 2 singles. She also was the first player to finish at both positions, allowing the team an opportunity to gain momentum. Tabbed as a player to watch in the pre-season, Glogowski-Watson continues her great sophomore season, her first full season due to the shortened season in 2020. Freshman Anna Klasson had another great conference performance as well. Playing her most complete match of the year, Klasson dominated her opponent at the number 5 slot. "Anna's game is continuing to progress and translate to matches. She has so much more good tennis ahead of her. I cannot wait to see what else she accomplishes," Coach Poda said of her win. Marleen Prinz, the other freshman on the team, delivered the win to tie the match at 3-3, giving the Valkyries an opportunity to win. Trailing 6-2 4-0, Prinz rallied to win the final 12 games of the match to win the second and third sets 6-4 6-0, respectively.

Despite the loss, the Valkyries youth took huge steps forward with big wins. Losses this close are painful, but Coach Poda believes it will make the team better in the long run. "Winning is hard at any level. It is something that was in our reach and to have that taken away adds a little bit of an edge. These ladies aren't going to want to feel like this again and I am sure they are itching to get back on the practice court and prepare for our next match. They've got that special attitude about them. When they are in this situation again, they'll win. I firmly believe that."