BELMONT, N.C. -- Freshman Gianna Conti opened her collegiate career with a hat trick, leading Belmont Abbey to a 3-1 victory over Converse in South Atlantic Conference Carolinas field hockey action Tuesday night. The contest was the season opener for the Crusaders, while the Valkyries fall to 1-1 overall and in league play.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Conti opened the scoring unassisted with 4:29 remaining in the first quarter.
• With 2:04 left in the third quarter, she doubled the score to 2-0 after tipping in a pass from classmate Jessica Rybicki.
• Conti capped her opening performance just 3:04 into the fourth quarter after an assist from Isabella Grasso.
• Converse tried to mount a comeback late in the contest, tallying its lone goal with 5:32 remaining.
• The Valkyries outshot the Crusaders 15-11 overall and 9-5 on goal.
• Freshman Chloe Parker made eight saves for The Abbey, including a penalty stroke in the third quarter.
• Belmont Abbey held a 10-7 advantage in penalty corners.

UP NEXT

• Belmont Abbey heads to Pennsylvania this weekend for a pair of contests.
• The Crusaders face Mercyhurst on Friday before continuing to Slippery Rock the next day.