CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Queens University of Charlotte field hockey team closed out its 2021 season today with a 2-0 loss to Belmont Abbey in the quarterfinal round of the 2021 South Atlantic Conference Carolinas Field Hockey Championship. The loss is the third this season to the Crusaders who defeated the Royals in postseason play for the first time today. This also marks the first year that the Royals will not play in the conference championship final since the league was created. 

The Royals kept the game tied at 0-0 before the Crusaders were able to strike early in the second quarter with a goal from Casey Etter in the 18th minute. Belmont Abbey's Gianna Conti then added to their lead with a goal in the closing minutes of the first half allowing the Crusaders to carry a 2-0 lead into halftime.

Queens was unable to get much of any offense going in the second half, as they were able to put just two shots on goal. They would go on to end the game putting four of their seven total shots on net.

Avian Thompson started in the cage for Queens, recording three saves. Marlee Geppert took over in the second half, making four saves and holding the Crusaders to their 2-0 advantage.

This loss ends the season for the Royals as they finish with a 7-12 record overall.

Be sure to stay up to date with the field hockey team in the offseason on Instagram and Twitter @QueensUFH.