HARTSVILLE, S.C. – Queens University of Charlotte traveled to Hartsville, S.C., to take on Coker College (6-11, 9-19) this afternoon in their final regular season match of the year. The Royals defeated the Cobras 3-0 by scores of 25-16, 25-10 and 25-11 helping them to complete the regular season undefeated in the Eastern Division of Conference Carolinas.
The Royals (15-2, 21-8) will be the 1B seed heading into conference tournament play next week as they host Limestone College.
The first set was close at 10-7 until a block by
Lindsey Everhart (Cincinnati, Ohio, McNicholls) and
Brittney Barren (Ham Lake, Minn., Blaine) gave the Royals the momentum they needed to string together a couple of runs for the win.
With the score tied 11-11 in the second, the Royals scored three straight points to take the lead for good. Queens would build a six point lead before Coker called a timeout trying to slow the visitors down. A late run for the win was made by the Cobras, but the Royals' defense combined with mistakes by the home team allowed Queens to take the 2-0 lead heading into the third.
Coker was able to lead on a few occasions in the final set before Queens commanded the lead back on a service ace by
Brittney Barren. The Royals would score two more quick points going up 11-8 forcing yet another timeout from the home team. Queens ended the game with the hot hand led by
Anna Gibbs (Hickory, N.C., Hickory) who totaled three on the last five points of the match.
Keri Kemp (Lake Mary, Fla., Lake Mary) led Queens' attack with nine kills followed by Gibbs who collected eight.
Ashlyn Dibrell (Arlington, Texas, Lamar) and
Avery Moore (Arlington, Texas, Lamar) each recorded 17 assists in the win. Barren and
Jocelyn Kellinger (Roanoke, Va., Cave Spring) led the Royals' defense with 10 and nine digs, respectively.
Coker was led by Jordan Arnsmeyer and Taylor Willis who each had six kills. Samantha Celek led all wit h19 assists, while Brittany Bass totaled 13 digs.
The Royals will return to the court on Tuesday, November 8 at 6:30 pm. They will host Limestone College for the first round of the Conference Carolinas Tournament.
