CENTRAL, S.C. – The Converse University volleyball team defeated Southern Wesleyan 3-1 on Friday night in Historic Tysinger Gymnasium.
Converse has now won four straight matches and they are a perfect 4-0 in Conference Carolinas action this season. The Valkyries are 5-6 overall on the season and 3-2 in true road games this year. With the loss falls to 5-4 overall and 3-2 in Conference Carolinas play this season.
Senior setter
Alysha Arroyo recorded her 2,000 career assist and joins Brittney Ogez (2004-06) as the only players to achieve this milestone in program history. Arroyo's 44 assist in tonight's game were the sixth most in a four-set match in program history.
In the opening set the Valkyries made the first move and built an early 11-6 advantage over the Warriors. Southern Wesleyan countered and began to break down the Valkyries lead, getting within striking distance at 15-11. Converse quickly stole the momentum and after a few quick points held an 18-11 lead over the Warriors. The Valkyries were unable to put the first set away with ease as the Warriors rallied with a 7-3 run, pulling within a single point down 20-19. Converse closed out the first set on a 5-1run against Southern Wesleyan.
In the second set the two teams were deadlocked through the first 20 points of the period. Once again, the Valkyries made the first move and built a small 13-10 lead over Southern Wesleyan. Converse continued to hold momentum and eventually held an 18-13 advantage over the Warriors. Similar to the first set, Southern Wesleyan rallied and pulled within a trio of points at 19-16. Converse did not take any chances this time as they closed out the second set on a 7-3 run against Southern Wesleyan.
The two squads were evenly matched through the game and were tied at 13 midway through the third period of action. However, this time Southern Wesleyan made the first move and built a small 18-15 advantage over Converse. The Valkyries rallied late and even pulled within a point at 23-22, but the Warriors won the final two points of the set.
In the fourth set, Southern Wesleyan jumped out to a 4-1 lead before Converse countered and built a 12-6 advantage over the Warriors. About midway through the fourth period, Converse had built a substantial 17-11 lead over Southern Wesleyan. Once again, the Warriors rallied late but it was to late as the Valkyries cruised to a 25-18 fourth set victory over Southern Wesleyan.
Converse finished with 67 points, 54 kills, 6 aces, 7 blocks, 49 assists and 66 digs.
Ariel Bryant led the team with 19 kill performance on Friday evening. Bryant becomes just the third player in program history to have at least 19 kills in a four set match, Evelyn Fitz last accomplished the feat on November 6, 2023 against Erskine.
Ariana Bryant finished second on the team with eight kills, a new career high for the senior middle blocker.
Alayah Robertson finished third on the team with seven kills. Both Bryant and Robertson finished with a team best three blocks against the Warriors. Arroyo finished with a team high with 44 assists, while
Scarlett Xiong finished with a team best 17 digs.
Ariel Bryant finished second on the team with 11 digs and posted her first double-double of the season.
Next Up:
Converse will travel to Young Harris tomorrow afternoon; first serve is slated for 2:00 p.m.
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