CHARLOTTE, N.C.  – The Queens University of Charlotte field hockey team opened its season this morning against No. 4 Millersville University falling 7-2 to the Marauders at Bessant Field.
 
Molly Walter and Mette Beekman led the Royals on the day scoring one goal each for Queens in their collegiate debuts as the Royals totaled eight shots, five being on goal. Senior midfield Mazvita Mtisi led in shots with four while Victoria Rood and Sta'sha Waterfield each recorded one assist.
 
After falling behind 4-0 in the first half, Queens would cut the margin to three when Walter's shot was knocked into the net by Millersville's goalkeeper in the 30^th minute. At the break, the score remained 4-1.
 
In the second half, the Marauders put two more balls in the cage to increase their lead to five, 6-1, before Queens responded in the 58^th thanks to a penalty corner allowing the Royals to run a set piece and capitalize. After receiving the ball from Millie Eaton-Jones on the corner, Waterfield found Beekman wide open in front of the net who then fired the ball into the back of the cage. However, Beekman's goal would be the final of the day for the Royals as Millersville put one more point on the board before time expired.
 
Queens was outshot 21-8 as Millersville put 15 shots on goal compared to the Royals' five. Additionally, the Marauders earned seven penalty corners to Queens' four. Jet van den Berg and Lanie Walsh split time in goal to combine for seven saves.
 
Aliza Mizak led the Marauders with three goals on the day after putting four shots on goal. Annabelle Tierney, Emma Boutcher, Erica Tarsi, and Kyra Brakefield each added one goal. Kristy Campana took the win in goal after recording two saves.
 
The Royals will return to Bessant Field on Saturday, September 8 to take on Newberry College in their conference opener. The game is slated to begin at noon. The Royals split the home-and-home series with the Wolves last season falling 2-0 on the road and winning 3-1 at home.