SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Junior outside hitter Brittany Tepedino captured a new Converse volleyball record after tallying a career-high 31 kills, but it was not enough as the Valkyries went down in five sets for the second consecutive match. Converse was able to take the first two sets of the contest, but Emmanuel came back with the final three to capture the Conference Carolinas win.
GAME INFORMATION
Scores: Emmanuel 3, Converse 2 Records: Emmanuel (5-7, 1-1 CC), Converse (3-13, 0-2 CC)
Location: Hannah Gymnasium, Spartanburg, S.C.
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
- Tepedino, along with her kills, was able to establish new Converse records in points (33) and attacks (69).
- The Valkyries were able to set a new program record with seven solo blocks.
- Elizabeth Coffey and Kirstin Christmas produced solid games with eight kills each.
- Libero Elizabeth Yohe anchored the defense with 35 digs.
- Lottie Hutson dished out a career-high 35 assists.
HOW IT HAPPENED
First Set
Converse was able to jump out to a 10-4 lead early in set one following a kill by Tepedino. A mini 4-1 run by the Lions trimmed the deficit to 11-8, but back-to-back kills from Coffey extended the margin to 14-8.
Emmanuel did not go away, chipping at the gap until finally taking the lead at 21-20. From that point the set turned into a seesaw battle as the two teams fought for the crucial first set win. A kill by EC's Jessica Gray knotted the frame at 27, but two consecutive errors from the Lions gave Converse the 1-0 match lead.
Second Set
The Valkyries started strong once more, collecting four of the first five points of set two. Converse ballooned the lead to 15-9, but Emmanuel came right back with a 10-4 burst to deadlock the set at 19-all.
Emmanuel looked poised to tie the match at 1-1, taking a demanding 24-21 lead. However, Converse was able to stave off three consecutive set points en route to a finalizing 5-0 run, taking a commanding 2-0 match lead.
Third Set
Set three was more balanced to start as each team battled to gain leverage over the other. Converse did just that, opening a four point lead (10-6). However, Emmanuel ripped off six of the next seven points to take the 12-11 lead.
The middle part of the set was equal as Emmanuel tried desperately to force a fourth set while Converse looked for the sweep. Tepedino crushed a kill late in the frame to pull Converse to within a single point (21-20), but Emmanuel did indeed force that pivotal fourth set after ending number three with a run of 4-1.
Fourth Set
The first 20 points of the second set were traded as the score was deadlocked at 10-10 midway through. Emmanuel took a slight lead with four in a row and never looked back, sending the match to the decisive fifth set after winning 25-20.
Fifth Set
A kill by Coffey brought the Valkyries to within 8-6 in the final frame, but that was as close as it would get with Emmanuel completing the comeback with 15-7 win in set five.
UP NEXT
Converse will hit the road on Tuesday, October 1, traveling to face Belmont Abbey in a crucial Conference Carolinas match. First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m.