Box Score CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Royals opened conference play this evening playing host to the Barton College Bulldogs falling 85-69. Sophomore
Sarah Myatt (Show Camp, N.C., Southern Alamance) led Queens University of Charlotte recording the only double-double of the game with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Queens drops to 2-8 on the year and 0-1 in the league, while Barton improves to 6-4 and 1-0 in Conference Carolinas action.
Melissa Thomas (Havelock, N.C., Havelock) scored a season-high 18 points as
Shonice Pettaway (Walstonburg, N.C., Greene Central) added 11 points and six rebounds.
Shatonya Hardy (Fayetteville, N.C., E.E. Smith) and
Abby Pettit (Apex, N.C., Cary Christian) each notched eight points. Hardy also grabbed seven boards.
The Royals kept things close early and found themselves deadlocked 36-36 at halftime by doubling up Barton, 26-13, on the glass in the first half. Myatt led all players into the locker room with 15 points and six rebounds.
Queens held a one point edge, 43-42, at the 15:45 mark of the second half on a layup by Thomas before Barton took the lead for good on the ensuing possession. Senior guard Jannetta Robinson of Barton swished a jumper that resulted in the 14th and final lead change.
Robinson's bucket started an 8-0 run that was capped by a Shante Neal layup and made free throw as Barton remained in front for the final 15 minutes.
The Royals pulled to within two points a pair of times before Barton pulled away with a 13-3 surge to build a double figure cushion for the final eight minutes.
Nyeshea Willie led the Bulldogs scoring 26 points on 8-15 shooting from the floor and 9-11 accuracy from the free throw line. Neal followed with 15 points and five rebounds; Robinson added 14 points; and Faith Hunter and Jolanda Mitchell each poured in nine points.
Barton forced Queens into 29 turnovers including 16 steals while only committing 15 mistakes. The Bulldogs also shot a season-best 50.8-percent en route to scoring a season-high 85 points. Queens finished with a 38-29 rebounding advantage.
The Royals will travel to face St. Andrews University on Thursday at 5:30 p.m.
