SPARTANBURG, S.C. – For the second time in as many home games against the UNC Pembroke Braves (15-4, 9-2 Conference Carolinas), the Converse University women's basketball team (4-13, 2-8 Conference Carolinas) took their game against the Braves down to the end. Unlike last season's thrilling 73-65 senior-day victory, the Valkyries fell 64-59 Saturday afternoon at the Weisiger Center.

Senior guard Zariyah Washington led Converse in scoring with 14 points. Fellow senior guard Elisa Solé Sanchez and sophomore center Tatiana Brown each recorded 12 points. Sanchez led the Valkyries with seven rebounds while Washington led all players with five steals.

UNC Pembroke senior guard Zaria Clark led the Braves in scoring with 18 points. Graduate guard Kelci Adams led all players in rebounding with 10.

Converse trailed by just two points at the end of the first quarter despite the team's 26.7 field goal percentage. The Valkyries outpaced Pembroke in shot volume by six in the first quarter.

The teams both tallied nine points in the second quarter in one of Converse's best defensive quarters of the season. The Braves went 3-of-17 from the field and 0-of-4 from beyond the arc. Converse trailed just two points, 22-20, heading into halftime.

Aided by free throws and three pointers, the Valkyries took a three-point lead, 41-38, heading into the game's final quarter.

With 7:20 remaining in the game, the Valkyries lost their last lead of the game as a Pembroke three pointer gave the Braves a 47-45 lead. Converse once tied the game after this point but that tie lasted just 55 seconds before UNC Pembroke took their final, game-sealing lead. The Braves won the game 64-59.

Converse is back on the court on Tuesday, Jan. 28 as they head to Banner Elk, North Carolina to take on the Lees-McRae College Bobcats. Tip-off is scheduled for 5 P.M.

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