CHARLOTTE, N.C.- Junior guard Kalaya Hall continues to lead the Royals this season after scoring 15 points in Queens University of Charlotte's 74-41 loss to Tusculum University at home this evening. The Royals now sit at 1-4 on the year and 0-4 in South Atlantic Conference play while the Pioneers improve to 2-5 on the season and 1-4 in league action.
 
The Royals were first on the board with a quick layup taking what would be their only lead of the night over the Pioneers. Tusculum would answer with an 11-0 run before Queens' Hall found a three-pointer to spark a 5-0 spurt for the home team. The Royals closed the quarter with a triple from Kristy Hamze that closed the margin to three, 13-10.
 
The second quarter was a back-and-forth affair as Hall opened with a floater to bring the Royals within one. Later, a three-pointer from Taylor Stevens knotted the game, 17-17, with 4:34 to play in the half. However, an 8-4 run in the Pioneers' favor would put them on top 25-21at the break.
 
The second half belonged to the Pioneers as they quickly took over the game in the third outscoring the Royals 31-14 to take a 21-point lead, 56-35, into the final quarter of action. Tusculum then secured their victory holding Queens to just six points in the final 10 minutes of play.
 
Hall's 15 points make it five straight games that she has reached double figures in scoring. Hamze added eight points and six rebounds coming off the bench for the Royals while Kiana Barkhoff totaled six points and four rebounds. Stevens recorded five points, five rebounds, and six assists.
 
The Pioneers had four players score in double figures as Jalia Arnwine and Alyssa Walker led with 23 and 17 points, respectively.
 
The Royals travel to Mars Hill on Saturday to continue conference play against the Lions. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m.
 
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