TIGERVILLE, S.C.- The Queens University of Charlotte softball team (9-7) was back in action this evening taking on the North Greenville University Crusaders (4-10) at Jan McDonald Field. The Royals would split the series, losing game one, 7-1, before redeeming themselves in a close game two, 8-7.
 
Game One: North Greenville 7 | Queens 1
 
The Royals found themselves trailing North Greenville after the Crusaders hit two solo homers in the fourth inning. The Crusaders then scored two more runs in the fifth off of a Josie Reed double to left field before adding three more runs in the bottom of the sixth to lead 7-0.

The Royals tried to get their offense going in the top of the seventh inning as Kayla Smith scored a run off a Jordyn Thompson single down the left-field line. Unfortunately, three outs followed to end the game.
 
Jordan Dunn pitched all six innings, striking out three while allowing 10 hits and seven runs. Her record is now 3-5 on the season.
 
Game Two: Queens 8 | North Greenville 7
 
The Royals were a different squad going into game two, building a large lead early. Thompson would open up the scoring in the second inning with an RBI double allowing super senior Jordan Hunt to cross home plate. An RBI for Gerlea Patton followed after she was walked with the bases loaded. With Queens leading 2-0, Kaylee DeJesus stepped up to the plate to drill a triple to center field allowing three runners to tag home plate and put the Royals on top 5-0. 
 
The Crusaders would make a run in the bottom of the third inning starting with an RBI single from Jenna Hewes. Soon after, Makenzie Livingston hit a double to center field that pushed two teammates home and cut the Royals' lead to two, 5-3.
 
Queens was able to create more cushion in the fourth when Haley Nelson hit a two-RBI single that increased the Royals' lead to 7-3. However, the Crusaders would get lucky in the bottom of the fifth to make things interesting. Following an RBI double by Hewes, North Greenville capitalized on a Royals error to score two unearned runs that made it a one-run ball game, 7-6.
 
In the top of the seventh, Patton would record an RBI single to bring Thompson home for a pivotal run that put the Royals back up by two, 8-6. Queens then left three runners on base leaving it up to their defense to close the game.

After the Royals collected two outs, North Greenville's Clair Gilmore hit an RBI single up the middle with two runners on base. Lexis Wilkinson would try to make the game-winning play, but she was tagged out at home. Kasidi Staley recovered the ball in center field and passed it to Royals pitcher Kate Hunter who then got the ball to Queens' catcher, Hunt, who made the play at home plate. 
 
Hunter pitched the entire game striking out five while allowing 13 hits and seven runs. She improved her record to 5-1. North Greenville had four pitchers in the action which they struck out nine, allowed 11 hits, and eight runs.

The Royals will be back home on Thursday, Feb 24 to host Lincoln (Pa.) in a doubleheader. Games are set to begin at 1 and 3 p.m.

Be sure to follow the Royals on Instagram @queenssoftball and Twitter @QUOCSoftball for the latest news and updates on the team.