SPARTANBURG, S.C. – For the first time in program history the Converse University volleyball team defeated King University 3-2 on Saturday afternoon inside the Weisiger Center.
The win snaps a two match losing streak for the Valkyries and a 24 match losing streak to King dating back to the 2001 season. Converse improves to 7-14 overall and 6-5 within Conference Carolinas action. The Valkyries, also improve to 4-0 in five set matches this season. Meanwhile, King falls to 7-13 overall and 4-7 in Conference Carolinas play.
In the opening set the Valkyries offense raced out to a 6-2 advantage over the Tornado before King countered with a run of their own. Trailing 13-12, following a 4-0 spurt by the King offense, the Valkyries dug in and battled back against the Tornado. Late in the opening set, the Valkyries used the crowd and their momentum to take a 20-17 lead following a 4-0 run. Converse closed out the set on a 3-0 run and took the opening frame 25-21.
In the second set the Valkyries appeared to be in control early once again, following a 5-2 run to start the set. King countered with a 4-0 run to take back the lead at 6-5. Moments later King was up 18-10 and the Valkyries were looking to make a late comeback against the Tornado. The Valkyries ran out of time for their second set comeback as King took the second stanza 25-19.
Coming out of the second set break, the Valkyries offense once again seemed to be in control as they raced out to a 5-3 advantage. History began to repeat itself in the third set as King once again used a timely 5-0 run to take a 10-7 lead over Converse. However, this time the Valkyries stayed within striking distance of the Tornado. Trailing 18-17, Converse used a 6-1 run to take a decisive 23-19 lead. The Valkyries held on to the third set with a 25-22 win over King.
Through the first 24 points of the fourth set, the two squads were deadlocked at 12. Tied at 18, King found a bit of breathing room after back-to-back points to take a 20-18 lead. The Valkyries hung around and tied the set at 23. King won the final two points of the set to send it to a fifth and final set.
In the fifth set, Converse put their foot down and raced away to a 7-2 advantage over the Tornado. The Valkyries won the final set with ease at 15-10.
Converse won every team statistical category from points (72), kills (52), aces (8), blocks (12), assists (51) and digs (95). The Valkyries saved their best for last, as they hit .333 in the final set of the day.
Ariel Bryant led the team with 11 kills,
Tia Gripado finished second on the team with 10 kills and
Evelyn Fitz finished third on the team with 9 kills.
MacKenzie Schmucker recorded a double-double with 26 assists and 12 digs.
Madison Gregory finished second on the team in assists with 21.
Mackenzie Day led the team with 28 digs in the match.
Next Up:
Converse will hit the road this coming week with Tuesday night matchup against Erskine College. First serve is set for 7:00 p.m. in Due West, S.C.
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