SPARTANBURG, S.C. (September 19, 2023) – On Tuesday, the Truett McConnell University women's volleyball team traveled to Converse College for a non-conference match-up, where the Lady Bears held on for five sets, but where ultimately unable to secure the win, 2-3 (14-25, 25-15, 18-25, 25-23, 13-15).
 
PLAY-BY-PLAY
The first set saw CU first on the board with a three-point rally, but TMU quickly responded with a kill of their own from Katie Williams. Kills by Ranavia Neal and Williams paired with a service ace from Madyson Dunn attempted to put the Lady Bears in the lead but was ultimately not enough to secure a win in set one, 14-25.  In the second set, the Lady Bears were first to score with a three-point rally. TMU continued to stay ahead with kills by Sonya Silecky and services aces from Dunn and Rylee Simpson. A late four-point rally by CU attempted to put them on top, but a final kill from Neal and a service ace from Simpson gave the Lady Bears what was needed to come out on top in set three, 25-15.
 
In the third set, the Valkyries were first to act once again. Eager to increase the deficit, CU continued to push ahead, but kills by Roberts and Silecky, gave TMU a fighting chance. A late three-point rally by the Lady Bears, featuring kills by Simpson, Williams and Silecky, gave TMU hope but wasn't enough to take set three, 18-25. The fourth set saw TMU first on the board with a kill by Neal. An early five-point rally by CU put them ahead, but the Lady Bears were not shaken as they fought to contend. The set remained evenly matched until a final kill by Roberts gave the Lady Bears enough momentum to secure set four, 25-23.
 
In the fifth and final set, CU was first to make a move, but a quick kill by Faith Clarkson put the Lady Bears in the lead. The Valkyries quickly responded with a four-point rally, capable of giving them the lead. A last chance effort by TMU, featuring a block assist by Clarkson and Neal, gave the Lady Bears a fighting chance but were ultimately unable to win, falling in the fifth set, 13-15.
 
LEADERS
Williams led the way with 15 kills, 17 digs, and two block assists. Silecky followed with 14 kills while Clarkson recorded nine kills. Simpson recorded 47 assists, three service aces, and 17 digs, while Rachel Kessler recorded 27 digs on the evening. Neal was capable of recording six kills and three solo blocks.
 
UP NEXT
The Lady Bears will be back in action at home on Saturday, September 23, as they host Columbia College and Toccoa Falls College for a tri-match inside the Harris Athletic Complex. Match time set for 1:00 p.m.