SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Converse University volleyball team defeated Erskine 3-1 on Monday night inside the Weisiger Center.
With the win the Valkyries improve to 9-19 overall and 8-8 in Conference Carolinas action. Erskine falls to 5-23 overall and 4-13 in Conference Carolinas play. For Converse, the win also ended a two match losing streak to the Flying Fleet dating back to last season.
In the opening set, Converse took an early 8-4 advantage over the Flying Fleet. The Valkyries kept up the pressure and eventually held a 15-12 lead against Erskine. A quick 3-0 spurt by the Flying Fleet tied the match at 15 and the two teams held serve for a few points before Converse eked ahead at 19-18. Erskine ended the opening period on a 7-1 run and took the first frame 25-20 over Converse.
Through the first 14 points of the second set, Converse held on to a slim 8-6 lead against the Flying Fleet. A timely 3-0 run gave Converse a little bit of breathing room at 11-7 against Erskine. Converse eventually extended their lead to 19-13 before the Flying Fleet began to make a late run. Following a pair of 4-0 runs by each team, the Valkyries held a 23-21 advantage late in the period. Converse won the second set 25-23, following a block by
Evelyn Fitz and
Tori Barr.
In the third set, Converse once again held the early advantage at 10-7 against the Flying Fleet. Converse then used a 9-4 run to take a commanding 19-11 lead over Erskine. The Flying Fleet then rallied behind an 11-4 offensive spurt to put the pressure back on the Valkyries let in the third frame. Converse won the final two points of the set to take a two set advantage over Erskine.
Converse raced out to a 13-6 lead over Erskine in the opening moments of the fourth set. Erskine then battled back and trailed 15-14 minutes later against Converse. The Valkyries continued to mount the pressure against Erskine and took a 20-15 advantage late in the period. The Flying Fleet rallied once again and nearly tied the match at 23-22. Fitz gave the Valkyries their first match point of the night at 24-23, the Flying Fleet then tied the set and forced the set into extra volleyball. Erskine held off five match points by the Valkyries, until Converse finally prevailed with a 34-32 fourth set win.
Evelyn Fitz recorded a double-double with 19 kills and 16 digs,
Tia Gripado finished second on the team with 10 kills and
Alayah Robertson finished with 9 kills in the match.
Madison Gregory had a team best 39 assists, while
Mackenzie Day led the team with 24 digs.
Jasmine Hamilton tied for the team lead with Robertson with 3 aces and also finished second on the team with 17 digs. Fitz Robertson and Barr all finished with a trio of blocks each on the night.
Next Up:
Converse is the No. 7 seed in the upcoming Conference Carolinas Women's Volleyball Championship. The Valkyries will travel back to Lees-McRae on Saturday afternoon to battle No. 12 Belmont Abbey in the opening round of the tournament.
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