CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Queens University of Charlotte men's lacrosse team moved to 1-1 on the year after picking up their first win of 2017. The Royals defeated North Greenville University, 16-7, in the home opener, which moves the Crusaders to 1-1 on the year as well.
 
Queens was led by Justin Swick, who completed the game with five goals on just six shots. Vincent Valenza added three goals, while Garrett Sadler totaled two goals and one assist. Reed Murphy added two goals as well, while Tariek Harris, Mackenzie Tallant and JT Thompson each notched one goal and one assist. Max Morgan led in assists with two. Jonathan Paige won 19-of-24 face-offs, grabbing 14 ground balls.
 
Swick got the Royals going early with back-to-back goals, giving Queens a 2-0 lead. North Greenville's Austin Dixon would get the Crusaders on the board at 5:03, but Queens answered with three straight goals to take a 5-1 lead into the second quarter.
 
The Royals continued their run into the second period, putting three more balls in the back of the net to grow their lead to seven, 8-1, with 7:25 to play. However, North Greenville would find their offensive rhythm to close the period on a 3-1 run, cutting the Royals' lead to five, 9-4, at the half.
 
Queens came out of the break on fire in the third quarter, outscoring North Greenville 6-1 to really take over the game. Holding a 15-5 lead heading into the final 15 minutes of action, the Royals held the Crusaders to just two additional goals in the game.
 
The Royals outshot North Greenville, 48-28, this afternoon, putting 29 shots on goal. Queens also won the battle for ground balls, 33-17. Anthony Caruso took the win in the cage after totaling five saves in 47:06. Anthony Valenza recorded three saves, and Kyle Hornik notched one save.
 
Jake Foster led the Crusaders with two goals and one assist for three points today. Goalkeeper Braeden Dixon took the loss after recording 13 saves.

The Royals will return to action on Sunday, February 26 when they host Florida Southern College. Face-off is set for noon at the Queens Sports Complex.