MARS HILL, N.C.- The Queens University of Charlotte women's basketball team suffered a fourth quarter to  Mars Hill on Saturday, February 11, 2017. The Royals were unable to hold of the Lions, who took the game 66-59, dropping Queens to 4-19 overall and 4-14 within the South Atlantic Conference. Mars Hill moved to 6-18 on the year and 4-14 in league play.

Maggie Stewart led the team with 18 points and eight rebounds. Three other Royals would reach double digits as McKell Oliverio followed with 14 points and Cheyenne Logan tallied 13 points and nine rebounds. Sarah Henson and Mendy McNeese were the two remaining Royals to score in the game as Henson tabbed 10 points and McNeese scored four points.

The Royals captured the lead early in the game, keeping the home team off the board until the 7:32 mark of the first quarter. Although Mars Hill tied the game at 5-5, the Royals pushed out to go on a 7-3 run topped by a layup from Stewart, 14-8. In the final three minutes of the opening period, Queens saw their lead extend to eight point as Logan took to the lane in the last three seconds of play, 22-14.

Mars Hill led the opening minutes of the second quarter, eventually taking control of the game with a three pointer from Sydney Comer. Queens battled to stay within distance but the Lions had pushed their lead to five points by the period's midpoint. Stewart started the climb moving the team back within a possession as she scored two free-throws and followed with a layup. McNeese would move the scoreboard back in favor of the Royals, 33-31, as the team went into the locker rooms ahead 38-33.
 
The third quarter saw five lead changes as the two teams tussled for control. Neither team was able to find a significant run as the largest extension fell to Mars Hill after Raven Brook sunk both free throws for a four point gap, 43-39.  The Lions held the upper hand at the end of the 10 minutes, moving into the fourth quarter of play with a 47-46 score.
 
Queens responded with a drive in the opening moments of the period, taking control of the game at 50-49. Both teams swapped baskets but a late run by the Lions saw the team build to a seven point game (59-52). The Royals were unable to pull the score back within reach as Mars Hill tallied the win.
 
The Lions were led by Madison Ervin who scored 19 points in the game. She was followed by Paige Chavis with 16, Sydney Comer with 11, and Alliyah Farmer with 10.
 
Queens will be back at home on Wednesday, February 15 for their annual Play 4Kay game. The Royals host Catawba in the 6 p.m., matchup.