CENTRAL, S.C. – The Converse College (3-15, 1-8 CC) volleyball team fell in straight sets to Southern Wesleyan (12-7, 7-2 CC) on Tuesday evening inside Tysiger Gymnasium. The Warriors were able to collect the win with set scores of 25-11, 25-21, and 25-11.
Kenzie Schmaltz led the Vals with 10 kills, while Sydney Allen contributed 18 digs. Jordan Mrkvicka dished out 13 assists.
The Warriors jumped out to a quick 7-2 advantage in set one following multiple long rallies. That lead grew to 14-6 after a 7-4 scoring run by SWU, forcing an early timeout by the Valkyries. The brief hiatus did nothing in terms of momentum as Southern Wesleyan continued to add to its lead, eventually taking the first frame by a final of 25-11.
After SWU took the first four points of set two, Converse came storming back with a 5-0 run of its own behind the serving of Deanna Unger and a steady attack game, giving the Valkyries their first lead of the contest. The frame was very evenly matched as neither team could post more than a two-point advantage. However, with the score at 11-10 in favor of SWU, the Warriors reeled off a crucial 5-1 run to push ahead 16-11. Converse cut the deficit to a single point (20-19), but could not complete the comeback, dropping set two 25-21.
Set three mirrored the first two with the home team being the aggressor early, posting a 5-1 lead in the early stages. Converse continued to battle, trimming the gap to two points on multiple occasions. With the score at 11-9, SWU turned in a monstrous 12-2 run to go ahead 23-11 and from that point it was all academic as the Warriors took set three 25-11 and the match 3-0.
The Valkyries will be back in action on Friday, October 13 when they travel to Franklin, Ga. to take on Emmanuel College. First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m.