Box Score Despite being shorthanded, the Lady Bruins nearly stole a game on the road against Converse College. The team came up just short in a 59-50 loss in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
"Obviously it is early in the season and we have areas to improve," Coach Mike LeViere said. "Having said that, this was a good game for us and probably the best game we have played so far this season so I am encouraged."
The Bruins would be without captain Kourtney Hoefler who was still out with injury and the team would also be without Hannah Tompkins for this game. Despite the obstacles, the Bruins were looking to grab a road win as they took the court against the Converse College Valkyries.
In the opening minutes, the Bruins used baskets from Brianna Delaney and Maggi Ford to jump out to an early 7-2 lead. The Valkyries quickly responded and fought their way back into the game. The two teams went back and forth trying to establish momentum as the Bruins and Valkyries exchanged the lead multiple times throughout the half.
The Valkyries used a three-pointer by Erin Horne with just a second remaining in the half to take a 27-24 lead into the break. "We needed to finish better around the basket," Coach LeViere said. "We competed well and executed on defense as well as knocked down several shots against some good pressure defense."
In the second half, the Bruins looked to climb back and take the lead as Maggi Ford knocked down a three to open the half and tie the game at 27-27. The two teams continued to trade baskets and the lead as both teams continued to look for the edge. Back to back baskets at the midway point of the half handed the Valkyries a seven point advantage. The Bruins desperately tried to fight back, but the lead was too much as the Valkyries used several clutch shots down the stretch to hang on for a 59-50 victory.
"If we continue to play like we did today we will be fine," Coach LeViere said. "We played tough and had a great effort and when we get some of our players back we will be able to compete with a lot of teams."
Brianna Delaney (11 pts. 11 rebounds) and Kendra Jeffcott (10 pts. 12 rebounds) each recorded a double-double for the team while Maggi Ford chipped in 12 points for the Bruins. With the loss, the team falls to 2-5 on the season. The Bruins will rest up for the weekend before the team plays their home opener against Erskine College on Tuesday night in Greenville.
