CHARLOTTE, N.C.- A strong first half helped the Royals defeat Coker College 78-49 in Hartsville, S.C. in Conference Carolinas action. The win is the third straight for Queens, all league games, and lifts the Royals to 4-6 overall and 3-2 in conference play. Coker falls to 2-7 overall and 1-3 in conference play.

Queens scored 43 in the first half, 20 more than the hosting Cobras. Queens outshot the Cobras 50% to 33% and also hit eight of nine free throws.

The Royals continued to play well in the second, hitting 11-32 and 2-4 from behind the three point line. Ashley McGuirt (Indian Trail, N.C., Providence Day) connected on 3-7 three pointers in route to a 19 point game, the high scorer of the night.

 The difference in the game came in the form of rebounds. Queens out rebounded Coker 49-23 and scored 17 second effort points compared to the Cobras two.

In addition to McGuirt's 19 point, Marissa Hudley (Charlotte, N.C., Harding University ) earned a double-double with 11 points and 15 rebounds. Dyonna Battle (Rocky Mount, N.C., Rocky Mount) put up 11 points for Queens and Shakaria Hamlin (Hartsville, S.C., Hartsville), who just had back to back 22 point games, scored 16 while hitting 4-4 from the free throw line, her second perfect effort in the past three games.

Coker Kiesha Beavers scored nine, while Cassie Kirby chipped in eight.

Queens travels to St. Andrews on Jan. 13 for a 5:30pm contest.