Box Score CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Queens University of Charlotte volleyball team lost a tight match on Friday night at Curry Arena to the Trojans of Anderson University. The Royals move to 4-8 on the year with a 4-6 conference record. Anderson improves to 7-7 with a 6-3 conference record.
 
The first set started out with an early run from the home team, but once both teams were settled in it was apparent that both squads were evenly matched and well coached.
 
The first set would never be more than three points apart as both sides traded kill after kill. Eventually, with the score tied at 22, Anderson was able to get the next three out of four points to take control of the match.
 
With Anderson up one to zero, Queens went into the next set with confidence knowing the first was almost as close as it could have been. Behind the serving of Brittney Barren, Queens was able to take a 12-12 game and make it 15-12 after two aces and an error.
 
Using that momentum, senior Keri Kemp began to take over the match. Instead of her patented smash, Kemp caught Anderson off guard by choosing to feather the ball in between Anderson players. With Queens down 22-23 in the second set, Kemp successfully found a hole in the Anderson defense to tie up the game. That momentum was all the Royals needed, claiming the next two points easily.
 
The third set wasn't very different than either of the first two, as both teams were within four points of each other the entire time. Unfortunately, with the score tied at 16 apiece, Queens lost momentum, giving Anderson four straight points, which would be enough to eventually seal the third.
 
The fourth set began with sharp play from the Royals. Starting out 3-0, the home team would never trail in the fourth set, getting big time performances from each player.  Meredith Jones, in particular, had a stretch of three points during the middle of the set to swing all of the momentum the Royals way. With two big time kills followed by a block, Jones gave her side a 21-15 lead that would eventually turn into a 25-19 fourth set victory.
 
For all neutrals watching, a fifth set to decide the match was perfectly fair.
 
Unfortunately for the fans in Curry Arena, the Royals weren't able to capitalize on a 7-7 tie almost midway through the set. Anderson went on a tear after the teams switched sides, and ended up scoring eight out of the next ten points to break the hearts of the team in white.
 
Queens comes right back to Curry Arena tomorrow afternoon to take on the Wolves from Newberry College. First serve will be at 2:00 p.m.