Spartanburg, SC- After taking the early lead, Erskine lacrosse was defeated by the Valkyries of Converse College Wednesday afternoon 10-9. With the loss, the Fleet fall to 0-11 while Converse improves to 2-8.
Converse’s Lisa Ryan struck first within the first five minutes of play, but Erskine’s Jessica Skinner responded with a goal of her own four minutes latter. Both teams battled for draw controls and traded points, drawing plenty of fouls for most of the first half. The Fleet went up 5-2 with ten minutes left until the break. But the Valkyries came back with a 2-5 run to send the game into halftime tied at 7.
The second half was littered with turnovers and fouls as each team battled for control of the game. With seventeen minutes remaining, the teams were tied at 9, and neither would give an inch. Neither team could get a good look at the goal, but Converse’s Sam Crowder was finally able to make a break through as she was awarded a free position with less than a minute left in regulation. Crowder capitalized on the free position as she shot and scored giving the Valkyries the victory.
Erskine’s Erin Connor led the way for the Fleet with two goals and one assist. Alesia Jerrels and Ruth Dye also had two goals each while Jessica Skinner, Jessica Kinard, and Katie Budzowski each added a goal of for the Fleet.
Converse’s Sam Crowder and Ericka Lloyd each had three goals to lead Converse.
Converse net minder Ashley Mercuri saved 5 shots while Erskine’s Kaitlyn Overly managed 13 saves.
The Valkyries edged out Erskine in groundballs (12-8) and draw controls (12-7). Erskine had one less turnover than Converse (23-24).
The Fleet will return to action Friday afternoon as they host Rollins College at 4:00.
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