CHARLOTTE, N.C. -The Queens University of Charlotte women's basketball team (1-0) will welcome the Catawba College Indians (2-0) to Curry Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 17 at 5:30 p.m. The South Atlantic Conference opener will also serve as the Royals' home opener this season. Wednesday's doubleheader will also be the Royals United game in celebration of Diversity and Inclusion.
LAST TIME OUT
-The Royals opened their 2021-22 campaign on the road at Emory & Henry on Sunday, Nov. 14. Queens defeated the Wasps by a score of 78-69 to start the year with a win for the first time since the 2015-16 season. The season-opening victory came off four Royals scoring in double-digits.
Kalaya Hall led the charge with 16 points, while
Kristy Hamze added 14 points.
Taylor Stevens flirted with a triple-double finishing the game with 11 points, nine rebounds, eight assists, and two steals. Graduate transfer
Kiana Barkhoff totaled 10 points and eight rebounds, just missing a double-double on the night.
Christina Deng would grab 11 boards for the Royals while also scoring six points.
ABOUT THE INDIANS
-Catawba is ranked third in this week's D2SIDA Southeast Region Poll after getting off to a 2-0 start this season.
The Indians won both games convincingly, defeating North Greenville, 86-56, and Belmont Abbey, 74-43.
- The Indians have four players who are averaging double-digits in points. Lyrik Thorne is leading with 16.5 points per game while Taisha DeShazo is averaging 14.5 points per game. Janiya Downs is posting 14 points and 6.5 rebounds per game while Shemya Stanback is the fourth leading scorer with 10 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game.
SERIES HISTORY
-Catawba leads the series with the Royals, 28-4. The Royals will be looking to snap a 15-game losing streak with the Indians that dates back to February, 5 2014.
-In their most recent matchup on Feb. 15, 2021, Queens fell 74-59.
Amari Davis recorded a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds while Hall added 13 points and three assists. Deng totaled 12 points and five rebounds. Stanback and Thorne contributed to 12 points apiece.
SAC PRESEASON POLL
-The Indians were picked to finish second in this season's SAC Preseason Coaches Poll while the Royals were voted to finish 12th. Additionally, Catawba's Stanback was named to the presesaon all-conference second team.
Be sure to follow the Royals on Instagram and Twitter @queenswbb for the latest news and updates.