SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Converse (3-4-2, 2-3-1 CC) soccer team picked up a crucial 2-1 win over visiting Mount Olive (1-7, 1-3 CC) on Saturday afternoon at Fulp Field. The Valkyries used a steady offensive attack and solid defensive effort to take a lead and withhold a comeback attempt by the Trojans.
Midfielder Nicole Doolittle led the charge offensively with nine shots, including three on goal and one score, while Melissa Carlyle posted her first score of the season, which turned out to be the deciding goal in the victory. Hallie Lycans and Kayla Reeve added an assist each. The Vals outshot UMO by a slim 18-16 margin and earned five corner kicks to the Trojans 2.
Although the Valkyries were able to get 12 shots in the first 90, it wasn't until Reeve found Doolittle inside the box just seconds before halftime that any shots found the back of the net, just beating the keeper on her right side.
Period two started much as the first with a lot of defense being played and not much offense. However, that changed in the 64th minute when Lycans sent a beautiful pass to Carlyle from about 18 yards out. From that point Carlyle did the rest dribbling three yards and blasting a shot past the right side of the net minder.
Mount Olive made things interesting in the 82nd minute of play after Kristin Power took a pass from Niza Vera off a corner kick and deflected it past Rachel Stalford in goal to cut the deficit in half at 2-1. However, that was the last goal scored as Converse ran out the final 8+ minutes of game action, securing the 2-1 win.
Stalford was solid in goal, allowing just the single goal while collecting eight saves. She improved her record to 3-2-1 on the season. Abigail Ross went the distance for UMO and was tagged with the loss after allowing two goals and totaling five saves.
The Valkyries will be back in action on Monday, October 2 as they play host to UNC Pembroke. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Fulp Field.