COLUMBIA, S.C. – For the first time since the 2016 season, the Converse University women's soccer team (1-0) won their season opener. The Valkyries defeated the Allen Yellow Jackets (0-1) by a final score of 7-1. Twenty-nine different Valkyries made an appearance in the game, seven of whom had at least part in scoring.

Converse's offense was led by junior midfielder Jasmine Hernandez who netted a pair of the Valkyries goals. Freshman Norah Greer earned herself three points in her collegiate debut by assisting Hernandez on the team's second goal of the game and scoring her first collegiate goal just 12 minutes later. Junior Giulia Rodrigues-Franceschini also collected three points with a goal and an assist.

The Valkyries' defense dominated the Yellow Jackets, holding them to just a pair of shots and just one that was on target. Converse had 26 and 17 in those categories respectively.

Rodrigues-Franceschini opened the scoring early with an unassisted goal just under six minutes into the match. Once the Valkyries found the back of the net, they were off to the races.

The Valkyries followed that up 18 minutes later with Hernandez's first goal of the match off of an assist from Greer. Converse ended the first-half scoring with a connection from two young Valkyries who will quickly become household names for the purple and gold faithful, as freshman Lang Ives found Greer from a corner kick, putting Converse up 3-0 heading into the break.

Just over two minutes into the second half, Rodrigues-Franceschini found freshman Sam Quillen who netted her first career collegiate goal. Ten minutes following, Hernandez scored her second goal of the contest, pushing the Valkyries up 5-0 with approximately a half hour to play.

A pair of Boiling Springs High School products wrapped up the scoring for Converse as sophomore Drey Nesbitt scored in the 67th minute and fellow sophomore former Bulldog Emily Vargas netted a goal just barely into the 70th minute.

While Converse had chances, the Valkyries were unable to find the back of the net in the final 20 minutes but still coasted to an impressive 7-1 record.

The Valkyries return to the pitch on Saturday, Sept. 7 as they play host to the Flagler Saints at Weisiger Stadium beginning at 3 P.M.

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