CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Queens volleyball was unable to take lone possession of fourth place in the Conference Carolinas Tuesday night at Ovens Athletic Center, as the Royals lost a fierce battle with Belmont Abbey College 3-1 (23-25; 25-23; 23-25; 21-25).

The first set seen the Royals jump out to a quick lead.  Their lead diminished as the Crusaders slowly turned the tide to take the set and a 1-0 lead.

Finishing with identical scores, the second and third sets mirrored the first set's action.

In the second, the Royals were able to sustain their early lead and avoid a late Belmont rally.

Down 23-17 in the third set, it was the Royals, behind Alexa  Sparrel serving, who rallied back to tie the match at 23 apiece. The comeback would fall short and the Royals would go down two sets to one.

After a taxing third set, the Royals got out to a slow start in the fourth set and would be unable to close the gap as they fell 21-25 to end the match.

Queens' received solid play on the attack from Brittany Harvey (Matthews, N.C., Sun Valley ) and Keri Kemp (Lake Mary, Fla., Lake Mary). Harvey had 11 kills on 21 tries to hit .476 while adding a pair of blocks (one solo, one assist). Kemp tallied her second consecutive double-double on 10 kills and 18 digs to go along with four of the Royals' nine service aces.

Also tallying her second consecutive double-double was Avery Moore (Arlington, Texas, Lamar), who added 19 assists and 13 digs.

Leading the Conference Carolinas in digs per set (4.36), Sarah Malpass (Gainesville, Fla., Gainesville) patrolled the perimeter for the Royals, scooping 14 digs and dishing 25 of 27 passes successfully.

The Royals go back to work tomorrow at the Oven, welcoming Brevard College for a 6:30 p.m. match.