SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Freshman setter Lottie Hutson nearly missed a triple-double, recording seven kills, 19 assists, and 12 digs to help guide the Converse College volleyball team to its third consecutive win and fifth in the last six games.
GAME INFORMATION
Scores: Barton 2, Converse 3 (27-25, 16-25, 25-19, 22-25, 19-17)
Records: Barton (7-9, 4-5 CC), Converse (8-15, 5-4 CC)
Location: Weisiger Center, Hannah Gymnasium, Spartanburg, S.C.
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
- Alexis Pitts and Brittany Tepedino each finished with 14 kills, while Tepedino also collected 18 digs.
- Elizabeth Yohe recorded a game-high 37 digs to anchor the Valkyries defense.
- Lauren Tharrington fueled the attack with 26 assists.
- Elizabeth Coffey and Kiara Cannon added nine and seven kills, respectively.
HOW IT HAPPENED
First Set
Barton raced out to a quick 12-7 lead in the opening set, but Converse used a balanced attack to battle back and tie the score at 13-13 midway through. From that point there would be 12 ties in the frame. However, with the score knotted at 25-all, back-to-back kills from Hutson and Tepedino propelled the Vals to a 1-0 match lead, taking the set 27-25.
Second Set
The Bulldogs were the aggressor to start the second set as well, doubling up the Valkyries (16-8) in an effort to tie the match. Converse pulled to within 18-13, but Barton used a 7-3 run to take the set and indeed, even the match.
Third Set
Converse turned the tides to begin set three, collecting eight of 11 points for the early lead. However, BC came all the way back to take a one-point lead (14-13) following a kill by Allison Gambill. Four straight points by Converse returned the momentum to the home side, but Barton tallied four of five to even the score at 18 each.
An attack error by the Bulldogs followed by a Hutson service ace sparked a massive 7-1 run for Valkyries, giving the Purple and Gold a 2-1 match lead.
Fourth Set
Set four was an evenly played affair as neither team could gain more than a four point advantage over the other. Converse looked as though it would end the match after taking a 21-19 lead late in the frame. However, Barton was able to rally and force the fifth and final set after ripping off a clutch 6-1 run to end the set.
Fifth Set
Barton came out firing on all cylinders to start the deciding fifth set, racing out to a commanding 9-2 lead in a race to 15, forcing a timeout by Converse. The brief hiatus was exactly what the doctor ordered as Converse came out of the stoppage and went on an unbelievable 9-1 run, taking its first lead of the set (11-10).
The Bulldogs came right back with three in a row to regain the lead, but Converse would not go away, knotting the score at 14-all, ensuring there would be free volleyball to be played. The two teams were tied at points 15-17, but back-to-back kills by Tepedino capped off the rally and gave the Valkyries the five-set win.
UP NEXT
Converse will return to the court on Tuesday, October 22, traveling to face Claflin University in a non-conference tilt. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m.