CHARLOTTE, N.C.- Marissa Hudley (Charlotte, N.C., Harding University ) led the Royals to a 72-60 victory over Erskine College Wednesday night at the Ovens Atheltics Center.

Queens's (11-8 overall/10-4 Conference Carolinas) Erin Goldner (Matthews, N.C., Piedmont) scored the opening basket of the game one minute into the contest and the Royals never relinquished the lead to the Flying Fleet (12-7 overall/10-4 Conference Carolinas).

The game was fast paced with few stoppages or fouls. In the first half the teams got to the free throw line just six times, two for Erskine and four for Queens. By the end, there were only 25 fouls, 15 on Erskine and 10 on the Royals.

Strong defense by the Royals limited the Flying Fleet in shooting from the floor. Erskine made just 22 of 66 baskets (33.3%) and was only able to pull down nine offensive boards. The Royals grabbed 31 defensive rebounds with Shakaria Hamlin (Hartsville, S.C., Hartsville) andCecilia Tchangoue (St. Jean Le Blanc, France, Forsyth Country Day) each pulling down five.

Offensively, Queens hit 31 of 62 (50.0%) and was 60.0% from the free throw line. The Royals were able to look for and find an open player to hit baskets, leading to 17 assists. Jessica Lewis (Hampton, Va., Bethel) led the team with five.
 
Goldner was a big contributor on both ends of the court, scoring 17 points and recording her season-high six steals. Shakendra Hicks (Rock Hill, S.C., Rock Hill) also scored in double digits for Queens with 12 points.

Audrey Timmerman led the visitors with 19 points.

The win splits the series for the season at 1-1 as Erskine won on Dec. 4 81-78 in Due West, S.C.