CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Designated player Ashton Whitaker had a huge Senior Day as she helped Queens University of Charlotte to doubleheader split against Mars Hill University on Friday, April 14 at Park Road Park.

After dropping game one, 7-6, the Royals (20-25, 6-12) evened the series with a huge 9-2 victory in game two. Whitaker went 4-for-8 with three RBI and homerun in her final home game for Queens. Elaina Frantellizzi also had two homeruns on the afternoon. 


Game One: Mars Hill 7, Queens 6
A top of the first double play by the defense sparked a four-run bottom of the first inning for the Royals offense.

The frame began with second baseman Sydney Ditto reaching second base after a walk and a stolen base. Ditto then came scampering home moments later when on her steal attempt of third base the Lions had no one covering the bag and catcher Taylor Lail's attempt throw her out ended up in left field.

Queens then added three more runs by way of the long ball. First, designated player Ashton Whitaker launched a solo shot over the right-centerfield wall. Then, two batters later, left fielder Elaina Frantellizzi smacked a no-doubter to straightaway centerfield to plate both her and catcher Abby Lathan.

The Royals added another run an inning later on right fielder Alyssa Strickler's fielder's choice RBI, but Mars Hill finally found some offense with a four-run third inning that closed the Queens advantage to 5-4.

After two quiet innings by both teams, Queens got the action started back up with a run in the bottom of the fifth inning. That run came off pitcher Courtney Pearson's perfectly executed squeeze bunt that Frantellizzi was able to beat the throw in at home plate. 

Unfortunately, the Lions responded with a three-run sixth inning to take the lead and eventually the game, 7-6.

Game Two: Queens 9, Mars Hill 2
Mars Hill struck first in the night cap as they scored a run in both the second and third innings, respectively. 

The Royals responded back in the bottom half of the third inning with a pair of runs to square the game, 2-2. With two outs and runners on first and second base, Abby Lathan lifted a double into left field that scored both Kelly Winter and Ashton Whitaker.

Queens then blew the game open in the fourth inning as they plated four runs to take over a 6-2 lead. Only one hit was needed to score the four runs as the Royals forced the Lions into miscues with the short game. All four runs came on squeeze plays that were executed to perfection by both Sydney Ditto and Kelly Winter.

The Royals then added another run in the fifth inning when Elaina Frantellizzi uncorked her second homerun on the day with a solo bomb over right-centerfield. 

QU then capped the game in the sixth inning when Ashton Whitaker two-out, two-RBI knock to left field which put the bow on the 9-2 victory. 

After the third inning, Evie Scott and Courtney Pearson combined to hold the Lions to only two hits over the final four innings. Scott got the victory as she went five innings plus while allowing two runs on six hits. Pearson pitched the final two innings and didn't allow a hit.

Up Next
Queens will now look to wrap up the regular season at Lenior-Rhyne this upcoming Wednesday, April 19. First pitch is set for 3 p.m.