Due West, SC- Erskine lacrosse was defeated Wednesday afternoon by Converse College 9-7. With the loss, Erskine slips to 0-8 overall and 0-7 among conference opponents while Converse improves to 1-4 and 1-3.
Converse, also a first year program, came into Wednesday’s match looking to earn their first win while the Fleet hoped to protect their home field. Erskine jumped out to the early lead as freshman Alesia Jerrells scored her first of three goals less than a minute into play giving the Fleet the 1-0 advantage.
Converse struck back with four goals of their own within the next fifteen minutes. Jerrells scored her second goal of the game with seven minutes remaining in the first half to bring Erskine to within two (4-2). Converse ended the half with another goal, going into the break up 5-2.
The visiting Valkyries opened the second half with a 3-0 run, but the Fleet tightened up their defense and began to aggressively pursue the goal. Erskine answered with three goals unanswered goals cutting Converse’s lead to three (8-5). Converse converted for one more goal at the 3:10 mark. Erskine scored two more of their own during the last two minutes, but it was not enough and the Valkryies slipped by the Fleet 9-7.
Erskine’s Jerrells and Morgan Smith each had three goals for the game. Smith kept Erskine in the game late as she scored all three of her goals during the last thirteen minutes of play. Katie Budzowski hit for one goal of her own off of a free-position shot. Erskine goal keeper Kaitlyn Overley had an excellent game where she recorded 17 saves.
Converse’s Michelle Coloney led all scorers with four goals. Sam Crowder and Lisa Ryan each had two goals while Bre Hinnant hit for one goal of her own. Goalkeeper Ashley Mercuri posted six saves on the afternoon.
Erskine will return to play Friday afternoon as they host Pfeiffer University at 1:00 PM.