SPARTANBURG, S.C. – With an 11 strikeout performance in game two of the team's doubleheader, junior
Riley Lingerfelt took sole possession of the Converse University single-season strikeout record, surpassing Marissa Martin who has held the record since the Valkyrie's first season in 2016.
Lingerfelt earned her eighth win of the season as Converse (13-17, 2-2 Conference Carolinas) won game two 3-2, the team's first-ever win over UNC Pembroke (10-19, Conference 2-2 Carolinas). The Braves won game one 5-0.
Freshman Kiarra Thomas had both of the team's RBIs on the day including a two-out, walk-off RBI single securing the win in game two.
Game One: UNC Pembroke 5, Converse 0
The Braves collected two runs in the third and three in the fifth to push them to their five run total. None of the runs were earned.
Freshman Madison Davis collected the team's first-and-only hit in the fifth inning.
Game Two: Converse 3, UNC Pembroke 2
The Valkyries struck first in the bottom of the first inning after a lead-off walk turned into a run due to a mis-played ball by the Braves center fielder. Thomas hit a sacrifice fly, doubling Converse's lead.
By the middle of the third inning, Lingerfelt had struck out six batters, putting her three strikeouts away from sole possession of the single-season strikeout record.
Converse threatened to score again with two runners reaching in both the third and fourth innings, but the Valkyries were unable to convert these runners into runs.
After two strikeouts in the fourth inning, an inning-ending strikeout in the top of the fifth
Solo home runs in the fifth and sixth innings from the Braves tied the game.
Lingerfelt spoiled a lead-off single for the Braves with a popout and two strikeouts in the seventh inning, sending Converse to the plate with a chance to win the game.
Sophomore Ayellad Howard led off the bottom of the seventh with a single into left and moved over via a sacrifice bunt. After a walk to Davis, Thomas came up and knocked the ball up the middle, scoring Howard and ending the game in a 3-2 Valkyrie's victory.
On deck for the Valkyries:
With their eight-game homestand coming to a close, the Valkyries are back on the road for the first time since March 3. The Valkyries will have two road doubleheaders against Northwest Division opponents starting with King on Tuesday, March 19.
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