BANNER ELK, N.C. – The Converse College (1-9, 0-6 CC) soccer team dropped a heartbreaking 2-1 decision to Lees-McRae (1-10, 1-5 CC) on Saturday afternoon at Tate Field. The Bobcats scored twice in the opening half and held on late to secure the Conference Carolinas win.
Jade Berwager led the Valkyries with seven shots, including two on goal. Anna Claire Albritton added five, while Cassidy Marshall posted three shots and the lone goal for the Purple and Gold.
Lees-McRae struck first in the 12th minute of action, jumping ahead 1-0 after a ball found its way through traffic and was knocked in by Maddie Olson. That lead ballooned to 2-0 just three minutes later following a header from Alexa Todd that hit the post and trickled in the back of the net.
The Valkyries could not muster much offense over the initial 45 minutes and went into the locker room trailing 2-0.
Both defenses were on their toes in the second half as the game became more physical. Lees-McRae tried to deliver a knockout blow while Converse was trying to stay in the game. Marshall did her part on the offensive end, collecting a ball that was crossed in from the far wing by Hallie Lycans and blasting it into the back of the goal to cut the deficit in half.
However, that would be the only goal the Valkyries were able to post as Lees-McRae ran out the clock, capturing its first win of the season.
Converse will be back in action on Tuesday, October 9, traveling to Bristol, Tenn. to take on King in a Conference Carolinas match. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.