BANNER ELK, N.C. – The Converse women's basketball team dropped a contest to Lees-McRae's explosive offensive on Thursday evening by a score of 73-48.
Converse (3-13, 2-11 Conference Carolinas) could not connect the dots until the third and fourth quarters when they scored 8 unanswered points each period. However, Lees-McRae's (3-10, 3-8 Conference Carolinas) 13 unanswered points during the first quarter gave them the momentum they needed to come out on top.
First Quarter:
- The Bobcats' offense came out of the gates hot, scoring the first 13 points of the game.
- Sydney Wilson would put Converse up on the board off a layup, assisted by Eva Carballo.
- The Valkyries would not score points until almost 4 minutes later when Wilson made her free throws to make the score 17-4.
- At the end of the first quarter, Lees-McRae would have a lead of 20-4.
Second Quarter:
- Converse started the half looking to makeup for lost points, scoring the first 4 points of the quarter before the Bobcats would answer with a jumper from Destiny Johnson.
- Keyshuna Fair and Ellen Nardella would check in for the Valkyries, contributing a combined 4 points for the Valkyries.
- Converse would head into the locker-room down 42-18 to Lees-McRae.
Third Quarter:
- MaKayla Smith for Lees-McRae would score the first points of the second half. Wilson would answer with a jumper for the Valkyries.
- After exchanging points and possessions throughout the third quarter, Converse would score 8 unanswered points, bringing them closer to Lees-McRae lead of 56-33.
- A last second free throw would send the Bobcats into the final quarter up 62-33.
Fourth Quarter:
- The first points of the quarter would come from Wilson's free throws for the Valkyries.
- Once again, going on a scoring run, Converse would score 8 unanswered points before Lees-McRae had the chance to put 2 final points up on the scoreboard.
- The Valkyries would drop this game on the road by a score of 73-48.
Wilson contributed a stealthy 15 points to the Valkyries final score while
Zahra Cross produced 7 points and 4 assists.
Amaia Parkins lead the team with 5 rebounds and 5 blocks on the night.
Johnson was Lees-McRae's leading scorer, tallying 19 points on the night. She was followed by Smith who scored 13 points and Jala Holloman who had 12 points. Johnson also lead the Bobcats in rebounds, clocking in with 10 rebounds. Smith was their leading assister with 6 assists during the game.
Next Up:
The Valkyries will be on the road again for their next game, this time heading to Franklin Springs, G.A. to face the Lions of Emmanuel College on Tuesday, February 1 at 5:00 p.m.
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