CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Queens University of Charlotte field hockey team opened its season this morning at home against Mercyhurst University defeating the Lakers 5-0. The win avenges a nonconference loss to Mercyhurst from a season ago and gives the Royals a 2-1 lead in the all-time series.
 
Milie Eaton-Jones, Mazvita Mtisi, Hanna Nechay, Victoria Tredinnick, and Molly Walter each netted one goal in the victory with Nechay's three shots leading the way on the attack. Mtisi, Tredinnick, Carey Karl, and Sta'sha Waterfield, tallied one assist apiece as well. In goal, Avian Thompson recorded two saves in 60 minutes of play.
 
Following a 0-0 score in the opening quarter, Queens' Nechay put the Royals in front with a goal in the 22^nd' minute of the second quarter. Mtisi then following with another in the 30^th to give Queens a 2-0 lead heading into the break.
 
Out of the half, Queens ran away with the game putting three balls in the cage to extend its lead to 5-0 by the end of the third quarter. The Royals then held the Lakers scoreless in the final 15 minutes of play to grab the shutout win.
 
Queens outshot the Lakers 11-5 putting seven shots on goal to Mercyhurst's two shots on goal. The Royals also earned 12 penalty corners.
 
The Royals are back in action against No. 1 Shippensburg tomorrow at Bessant Field at noon. The Raiders have won the past three national championships and tomorrow's meeting will be the first between the two programs.