GAFFNEY, S.C.  – A game-winning goal from junior forward Hanna Nechay with no time on the clock lifted the Queens University of Charlotte Royals past Belmont Abbey College tonight in the semifinal round of the South Atlantic Conference Carolinas Field Hockey Championships. The Royals will advance to the league's first-ever championship match on Sunday with a record of 9-9 while the Crusaders close their season at 6-10.
 
After earning a penalty corner with just seconds left on the clock, Nechay was able to find the back of the cage after Molly Walter drilled the ball to the front of the net where a short scramble for the ball ensued resulting in a 1-0 victory for the Royals.
 
Both Nechay and Mazvita Mtisi led the Royals in shots with three apiece. Nechay put two shots on goal to lead Queens along with South Atlantic Conference Carolinas Freshman of the Year Karla von Ehren who also tallied two shots on goal. Jet van den Berg recorded the win in goal after totaling six saves on the night.
 
Queens was able to find the back of the cage this evening when it counted despite being outshot 12-9 by Belmont Abbey. Seven of the Crusaders' shots were on goal compared to the Royals' five shots on goal. Additionally, Queens earned three penalty corners scoring tonight's game-winner on its third of the night. Belmont Abbey totaled five penalty corners.
 
Camrynn Aiello led Belmont Abbey with five shots, putting two on goal. Paige Hinds took the loss in goal after recording three saves.
 
The Royals will face top-seeded Limestone College in Sunday's Championship which is slated to begin at 2 p.m. in Gaffney, S.C. The Saints defeated fourth-seeded Coker by a score of 1-0 to advance.