CHARLOTTE, N.C.- Shakaria Hamlin (Hartsville, S.C., Hartsville) and Ashley McGuirt (Indian Trail, N.C., Providence Day) each led the Royals with their 12 point efforts in the 64-58 loss to Wingate University at Johnson C. Smith on Sunday in the opening game of the Queens City Classic. The game marks the start of the 2009-2010 campaign for the Royals under second year coach Trudi Lacey.

Queens (0-1) and Wingate (1-0) closed the first half deadlocked at 28, but the Bulldogs edged the Royals by six points in the second half for the win.

From the floor the Royals were 40.4% and 35.3% from behind the three-point arc, better than the Bulldogs in each area. Wingate was 35% from the floor and 30% from far away.

Free throws were the breaking point for the two teams. Queens hit just six of 16 shots (37.5%) while Wingate sank 19 of 35 (54.3%).

Wingate's Kurie Washington led all scorers with 17 while Stacie Rhodes had a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Queens faces host school Johnson C. Smith at 6pm on Monday, November 16 at the Brayboy Gym.