SPARTANBURG, S.C. - The Converse (2-9) Volleyball Team were dealt a pair of losses during the opening day of the Converse Invitational Friday evening inside Hannah Gymnasium. The Valkyries were defeated by Valdosta State in the early game before falling to Shorter in their first home matches of the season.
GAME ONE: CONVERSE 0, VALDOSTA ST. 3 (25-23, 25-19, 25-15)
The Valkyries wasted no time taking an early 7-3 lead but Valdosta St. chipped away and eventually caught up, taking a 21-16 lead. Although Converse put forth a valiant effort, it was not enough to overcome the Blazers attack and the Valkyries dropped set one, 25-23.
Converse made another aggressive attempt in the second set, but came up short falling 25-19.
Valdosta St. jumped ahead early in the third set leaving the Valkyries little time to catch up, eventually falling 3-0 in the match with a 25-15 set three defeat.
Morgan Pearson led the way for the Purple and Gold with seven kills, while Kelsey Elliot recorded 12 digs.
GAME TWO: CONVERSE 0, SHORTER 3 (25-22, 25-15, 25-12)
The Valkyries took back to the court Friday evening to face their second opponent of the day. Much of the first set was fairly even with the Valkyries pushing ahead, 19-13 lead. However, Shorter was able to escape with the narrow 25-22 win.
The second set had a different feel as Shorter took an early lead and never looked back, taking a commanding 2-0 match lead after winning the second frame 25-15.
Shorter continued its momentum into the third set, overcoming the Purple and Gold's comeback attempt, to close out the evening with a 25-12 victory.
Pearson, Yohe, and Hodge led the Valkyries with 5 kills apiece. Sydney Allen and Pearson anchored the defense with 13 digs.
Converse will be back in action tomorrow morning for the second day and concluding day of the Converse Invitational, facing Alabama Huntsville at 10:30 a.m. before taking on Mars Hill at 6:30 p.m.