SPARTBURG, S.C. – Despite holding a lead for an hour of game time against the visiting Belmont Abbey Crusaders (2-1-2, 0-0-1 Conference Carolinas), a late goal forced the Converse University women's soccer team (1-2-2, 0-1-1 Conference Carolinas) to settle for a 1-1 draw on Saturday night at Weisiger Stadium.

The Valkyries and Crusaders got off to a locked-up start with just one shot through the first eight minutes. That shot, taken by Belmont Abbey, was saved by junior forward-turned-goalkeeper Kiersten Schrawyer making her first career start in the goalkeeper's box.

The teams remained deadlocked until, in the 21st minute, freshman midfielder Paige Damuth took a ball deflected off a Belmont Abbey defender and connected with it for the first goal of the match.

Despite being outshot by the Crusaders 6-3 in the first half, the Valkyries took a 1-0 lead into halftime thanks to Damuth's goal. The teams were even with two shots on goal each.

The Crusaders did not go down without a fight. They recorded eight shots in the second half, only one of which was on goal. Converse was, however, selective with their shots as both taken in the second half were on goal. Unfortunately for the Valkyries, that one shot on goal from Belmont Abbey found the back of the net past an outstretched Schrawyer and evened the game at 1-1 in the 84th minute.

Both teams traded possessions with neither able to find even another opportunity to take a shot and the game ended in a 1-1 draw.

The Valkyries return home on Wednesday, Sept. 20 as they host King University at Weisiger Stadium for Purple Reign Night. The match is set to begin at 5 p.m.

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