Two first period goals were too much to overcome as the Lady Bruins fell to the Converse College Valkyries 2-0 in a scrimmage Thursday night. The Bruins were coming off a 2-1 victory in their first scrimmage of the 2014 season over North Greenville University on Saturday. The scrimmage Thursday marks the second time Converse College and BJU have scrimmaged. The Valkyries compete at the NCAA DII level and defeated BJU 4-0 last year in Spartanburg. The teams competed in three 30-minute periods to give all players gameplay experience. 

From the opening kickoff, the Valkyries showed their speed and skill by controlling possession and not allowing the Bruins to get into their usual rhythm. Early on, a corner kick opportunity led to a scramble in front of the net. Converse College capitalized on the opportunity and poked in the loose ball to take a 1-0 advantage. The Bruins regrouped and began to show signs of life as the offense began to pressure the net with shots. Just before the end of the period, the Bruins had another bad break as a shot deflected off the crossbar right to the feet of a Valkyrie striker to allow Converse College to gain a 2-0 advantage at the end of the first 30 minutes.  

"We were severely outplayed in the opening period," Coach Chris Carmichael said. "Our system of play was exposing some weaknesses, but we were not able to capitalize on it." 

In the second period, the Bruins made some tactical adjustments and came out strong penetrating the attacking third. Bruins midfielder Jenn Wise had several great chances on frame, including one shot that grazed the top of the crossbar. As the game wore on, the Bruins defense became stronger and stronger. Despite the effort, neither the second or third period would yield a goal for either team as Converse College finished the night with a 2-0 victory. 

"It was a great effort by our team tonight," Coach Carmichael said. "I was very pleased with the team effort and for us pulling together and figuring out the difficult soccer challenge that Converse threw at us. We are grateful for this opportunity as they are a very solid program. We will be a much stronger team because of this experience." 

With the loss, the Bruins finish the preseason at 1-1. The team will begin preparing for their home opener next Thursday night as they open the 2014 season against Truett-McConnell College.