SPARTANBURG, S.C. – For the second time in the last eight days, the Converse University women's soccer team faced off against divisional rival North Greenville (5-10-3, 5-5-3 Conference Carolinas). Unlike the last matchup, in which the Valkyries and Trailblazers tied 1-1 in the regular season's penultimate game, eighth-seeded Converse (7-9-3, 5-6-2 Conference Carolinas) soundly defeated the ninth-seeded Trailblazers 2-0 Wednesday night at Weisiger Stadium.

Senior defender Giulia Rodrigues and freshman forward Kathryn Hoffman played hero as the team's goal scorers. Senior defender Samantha Novik assisted on Rodrigues' goal.

It is the first time a team has won this matchup by more than one goal since November 2024, and the first time since September 2022 that the matchup has been decided in such a way on the pitch of Fulp Field.

Just under 16 minutes into the game, the Valkyries scored as Rodrigues headed the ball into the net on a brilliant corner kick from Novik. The teams combined for just four shots, three of which were from Converse, in the final 30 minutes of the half following the goal.

Just over four minutes into the second half, Hoffman broke free from the pressure of a Trailblazer defender, and struck the ball directly at the lower half of the crossbar, sending the ball almost directly down and over the goal line, putting Converse up 2-0 in the early part of the second half.

NGU attempted just three shots the rest of the game, and did not attempt a shot on goal in the second half as Converse won 2-0.

Next Up:
The Valkyries head to Florence to take on the top-seeded Francis Marion Patriots on Saturday, Nov. 5, in a quarterfinal matchup. The match is set to begin at 4 P.M.

Follow Converse
https://www.facebook.com/ConverseValkyries
Twitter: @Valkyries_WSO
Instagram: @Valkyries_Soccer