BOXSCORE

Penalty kicks came back to haunt the Queens University of Charlotte Royals in the season-opening game against Catawba College Friday night at the Queens University of Charlotte Sports Complex at Marion Diehl Park. The Royals lost the first game of the season to the Catawba College Indians by a score of 2-1.

After advancing to the NCAA Tournament in 2007 by capturing the Conference Carolinas tournament title on three rounds of PK's, the Indians were able to open a two goal lead over the Royals with one corner kick goal and the second off of a PK.

Queens threatened first with a restart off of Katherine Johnson's (Chapel Hill, N.C., Northwood )foot, but Catawba was able to score first. Nikki Blackwelder scored in the 22nd minute off of a corner kick from Andrea Dunshie to take a one goal lead.

Just a few minute into the second half the first PK of the game was scored. In an attempt to clear the ball just inside the side of the 18 yard box, the Queens defense caused a foul to give Catawba the chance to score a second goal with a PK. Dunshie took the kick and was able to get it past the Queens goalie Kristen Kornacki (Glen Allen, Va., Deep Run ).

The Royals poured on the pressure to keep the ball in their offensive end of the field and were awarded a PK of their own in the 73rd minute of play. Senior Kari Byzewski (Virginia Beach, Va., Salem )took the shot and sunk it to cut the visitor's lead to one.

In the remaining time, Queens tightened up on defense and challenged Indian goalie Lindsay Webster on a few occasions.

Freshman Kathryn Sylvester (Raleigh, N.C., Apex )led the Royals in shots with three while Kornacki recorded four saves. Queens totaled eight shots.

Six different players recorded the six Catawba shots during the game. Webster made two saves.

The Royals play again on Tuesday, September 2, at Wingate University. Game time is set for 5pm.