BELMONT, N.C. – For the second straight match the Converse University volleyball team fell 3-2 to Belmont Abbey on Wednesday night inside the Wheeler Center.
With the loss the Valkyries fall to 11-8 overall and 9-2 in Conference Carolinas action. This is the first time in three years the Valkyries have lost multiple games in division play and the second straight loss to Belmont Abbey. Meanwhile, the Crusaders improve to 9-8 overall and 4-6 in Conference Carolinas play.
In the opening set, Belmont Abbey jumped out to a 10-6 lead over Converse and eventually built a 17-8 advantage. The Valkyries faced an up hill battle trailing 22-11 late in the opening period, but they attempted a late rally before falling 25-14.
In the second set, the two teams were tied through the first 20 points of the period. Converse made the first move and built a small 13-11 advantage over the Crusaders. Belmont Abbey countered and eventually retook the lead against the Valkyries. Late in the period Converse held a 20-18 lead over Belmont Abbey and hung on to beat the Crusaders 25-21.
Belmont Abbey jumped out to a 12-7 lead in the third period and eventually built an 18-12 advantage over the Valkyries. Converse made a late push and pulled within striking distance of Belmont Abbey at 22-19. The Crusaders won the last three points of the period and took a two sets to one lead.
The fourth set was tied through the first 12 points of the period. Converse made the first move and built a small 9-6 advantage against the Crusaders. The Valkyries maintained their small lead until Belmont Abbey tied the set at 17. Converse rallied and built a 22-18 advantage but lead was short lived as the Crusaders won the next four points to tie the set. Converse won the last three points of the set to force a decisive fifth set.
In the final set, Belmont Abbey raced out to an 8-3 advantage over the Valkyries and eventually won the period by a final score of 15-6.
Converse finished with 68 points, 57 kills, 5 aces, 6 blocks, 53 assists and 71 digs.
Ariel Bryant led the team with 14 kills,
Alayah Robertson and
Ella Ruckman were second on the team with 13 kills each.
Ruckman had a team high four aces, while
Ariana Bryant led the Valkyries defense with four blocked shots.
Alysha Arroyo finished with a double-double, leading the team with 39 assists and 17 digs.
Scarlett Xiong led the team with 18 digs on the evening.
Next Up:
Converse will return home this coming Friday when they battle Emmanuel. First serve is slated for a 6:00 p.m. start inside the Weisiger Center.
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