Spartanburg, SC - One day after falling just short of victory in its season opener against Lander on the road, the Lincoln Memorial field hockey team made a quick turn around and a short trip to Spartanburg to take on the Converse Valkyries. In four previous meetings, the Railsplitters had fallen to the Valkyries in all four outings by a combined score of 29-1. However, much like Thursday's season opener, Lincoln Memorial remained competitive throughout the game, failing to yield an inch of turf until the final horn. The Railsplitters played the Valkyries very well at home last season, dropping a 4-1 decision. The two teams met late in the season last year at Converse, with the home team taking an 8-0 decision.

Samantha Daly scored the first goal of the game for the Valkyries 3:44 into the match, assisted by Catalina Pistaccio, to take a 1-0 lead. 2:48 into the second quarter, Converse struck again with a goal from Kilee Bradeen, assisted by Ava Andrews, extending the Valkyrie lead to 2-0. Converse took a 3-0 lead when Pistaccio netted a goal, assisted by Bradeen, with just over 10 minutes left in the first half. The third quarter was a defensive stalemate, seeing neither team able to add to its score, leaving the Valkyries in control 3-0 heading into the final frame. Converse's offense buckled down in the fourth quarter, adding a pair of goals to seal the game away. Pistaccio added another goal, assisted by Mariella Vallejo, building the lead to 4-0 just 30-seconds into the quarter. Caroline Blair added the final goal for the Valkyries with just under 12 minutes remaining in the game, bringing the score to its final, 5-0.

After starting the season with back-to-back conference road games, Lincoln Memorial returns to its he turf on September 11th, playing host to Mount Olive, with the game slated to begin at 11:00 AM.