GREENVILLE, S.C. – Playing in the NCAA Women’s Volleyball Championship for the first time, Converse University got off to a hot start, taking the first set from 20th-ranked Wingate University. However, the top seed and host Bulldogs won the next three sets to take the match 3-1.

The Valkyries used a 10-2 run in the first set to turn a 7-4 deficit into a 14-9 advantage following an Alayah Robertson ace. Wingate came back to take a 19-18 lead, but the Valkyries responded with back-to-back points out of a timeout to regain the lead. Converse held the advantage and took the set 25-22 after scoring the final two points. That marked the first set Wingate dropped since November 1, a streak of 25 straight wins.

The second set was tight early, but the Bulldogs broke an 8-8 tie with an 8-1 run to take a 16-9 lead. Wingate would go on to take the set 25-17.

The Wingate momentum continued early in the third set, but the Valkyries fought back to take an 18-16 lead with an 8-3 spurt. However, the Bulldogs responded with a 9-2 run to take the set 25-20.

In the fourth set, Wingate grabbed the lead early and pulled away to win the set 25-16 and take the match 3-1.

Noemia Chiacchio led Converse with 13 kills and 11 digs while Ariel Bryant followed with 10 kills and 11 digs. AC Garbade added 10 kills while Conference Carolinas Defensive Player of the Year Mackenzie Day posted a match-high 27 digs.

Emily Johnson led Wingate with 13 kills while Maya Van Heyst posted 13 digs.