SPARTANBURG, S.C.- Converse had three players in double-figures, but the 12 point deficit at half was too much for the Valkyries to overcome as Lees-McRae took the victory, 66-59. Converse dropped to 1-4 on the season and 0-3 in Conference Carolinas play. LMC improved to 3-5 and 2-2 in league play.
"We are very proud of our efforts and never quit attitude in the second half," said head coach Beth Couture. "I am proud of those that left it all on the court. I feel like we are moving in the right direction."
Logan Hollis (Spartanburg, S.C.) paced the Valkyries on both ends of the court recording her first career double-double. Hollis scored 12 points and hauled in 10 rebounds. Jakyra Washington (Durham, N.C.) and Christhea Mitchell (Jacksonboro, S.C.) chipped in 10 points each.
Both squads hit 23 field goals, but free throws set the distance between the two. LMC went 17-24 (70.8%) from the charity stripe while Converse struggled at the line hitting 10-19 (52.6%).
The first half went back and forth for most of the half seeing four ties. The tides turned with 5:22 remaining in the first half sparking a 14-2 Bobcat run to end the first half. Hollis hit a jumper at the top of the key for the lone Valkyries points. LMC took a 37-25 lead into the locker room.
The Valkyries chipped away at the Bobcat lead bringing the deficit to 40-33 after Washington went to the line for the three point play. LMC's Kerri Belcher would push the Bobcats lead back up to 14, 51-37, with a layup in the paint. Belcher finished the game with 17 points and 13 rebounds.
Once again Converse would chip away at the Bobcat lead. The Valkyries went on a 9-3 run during a two minute span to cut the lead to 54-50 capped off by Mitchell sinking two from the charity stripe.
LMC would build the lead back to eight before Converse went on another run. Washington's three point play would cut the lead to five before a three point play on the other end pushed the lead back to eight. Erin Horne (Orlando, Fla.) would hit a triple late but the comeback rally fell short despite outscoring LMC in the second half 34-29.
Yashee Johnson (West Columbia, S.C.) picked up nine boards and four blocks on the defensive end. Horne finished with nine points going 3-4 from long range. Margo Dill (Hilton Head, S.C.) finished the game with seven points in 14 minutes picking up four fouls. Washington finished with 10 points, five rebounds and six steals.
Converse takes the week off for final exams. The Valkyries will return to the hardwood, Dec. 17, heading on the road to take on Brevard in non-conference action.