MURFREESBORO, N.C. – For the first time in two seasons the Converse University volleyball team will start the year with a 1-0 record in Conference Carolinas play, after a 3-0 sweep of Chowan on Friday night.
With the win the Valkyries improve to 7-3 overall and 1-0 in Conference Carolinas action. Converse is now three wins away from matching their season total from a year ago. Friday night's sweep also marked the Valkyries first sweep over the Hawks since the 2019 season. Chowan falls to 2-6 overall this season and 0-1 in Conference Carolinas play.
It was a slow start for Converse in the opening set as the Hawks raced out to a 4-0 lead. The Valkyries battled back in stayed within striking distance of Chowan before tying the set at 10. Trailing 13-10, the Valkyries made pivotal run that changed the course of the set. Converse went on a 10-0 to take a 20-13 advantage over the Hawks. Chowan tried their best to get back in the set, but the deficit was too much to overcome, as the Valkyries won the opening set 25-20.
In the second set the Valkyries offense clicked from the start as they raced out to an 8-3 advantage over Chowan. Moments later, another 5-0 spurt by the Valkyries had Converse in command of the set up 17-9 over the Hawks. The Valkyries won the second set by a final score of 25-16, and the Valkyries had their best offensive performance during the period. In the second set, Converse recorded 14 kills and posted a game high .379 hitting percentage against the Hawks.
The third set was a tight competition between the two squads as they were deadlocked at 10 points early in the frame. Converse made the first run of the set and took a 14-10 lead before Chowan countered with a 3-0 run of their own. Holding a slim 20-19 advantage over Chowan, Converse closed out the final stanza on a 5-2 run to complete the three set sweep against the Hawks.
Converse finished with 48 points, 38 kills, 4 aces, 6 blocks, 30 assists, and 38 digs.
Noemia Chiacchio led the team with 9 kills,
Megan Carpenter finished second on the team with 8 kills, and
Ariel Bryant finished third on the team with 7 kills.
Tori Barr led the team with 4 blocks and Carpenter finished second on the team with a trio of blocks.
Alysha Arroyo led the team with 3 aces and 13 assists, while
Jayden Johnson finished second on the team with 10 assists.
Mackenzie Day once again led the team with 19 digs and Bryant finished second on the team with 7 digs.
Next Up:
Converse will finish up their road trip tomorrow afternoon at Barton. First serve is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. in Wilson, N.C.
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