CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Queens University of Charlotte men's volleyball team (7-7, 3-1 IVA) snapped a two-game losing skid by dropping Limestone University (10-4, 1-2 IVA) by a final score of 3-1 on Thursday night to open their brief homestand. The Royals now lead the all-time series 5-4 with the Saints and have won the previous two matches.
 
The evening opened with Queens jumping out to a 7-3 lead using four kills. The visiting Saints would eventually settle in and return the favor with an 8-2 run to grab a 16-12 lead. However, Queens managed to answer with a 5-0 spark to regain a 17-16 lead while forcing the Saints into a timeout. Coming out of the break, the two IVA programs would exchange points until Queens closed on a 4-1 finish to grab the early advantage. The Royals managed to hit .229 with 14 kills while Limestone posted a .233 mark and 12 kills, but committed five attack errors and four service errors.
 
In the second set, Limestone brought a different energy getting ahead quickly 8-3. The Royals would put together small rallies, but the Saints managed to keep the lead for the entirety of the set. Trailing 23-19, the Royals would earn four consecutive points to tie the set 23-23, but Limestone escaped on a service error and a kill. The Royals hit .333 with 18 kills in the second set. The 18 kill mark is the most kills the Royals have acquired in a set this season. Limestone would hit slightly less at .314 with 15 kills.
 
The third set saw Queens gain a 5-1 lead early off three kills. After Limestone worked back into the set, the Royals went on a 6-0 run to extend their lead to 13-6. Queens would continue to lengthen their lead all the way to 20-14 before Limestone went on a 7-2 run to work the score to 22-21. Queens recorded a pair of kills from JP Payne and Jack Brinkman before Daniel Leitao capped off the set with an ace to give the Royals a 2-1 advantage. Queens would acquire 15 more kills on a .273 mark while the Saints struggled hitting .194 with 13 kills and seven attack errors.
 
Similar to the previous three sets, the team that jumped ahead early managed to grab the set and the fourth wasn't different as the Royals grabbed a quick 6-2 lead. Limestone would respond with a 5-1 run of their own and both teams would exchange points as neither team held a lead more than two for most of the set. All tied 15-15, Queens went on a 3-0 run to extend their lead and force a Limestone timeout. Queens would counter every Saints point until the Royals secured the match victory.
 
Three Royals posted double digit kills, including Daniel Leitao, Jack Brinkman, and Stirling Sims. Leitao would lead the Royals with 19 kills marking the ninth time the junior has reached double figures this season. Brinkman would add 17 kills while Sims notched 12 kills. In the last two matches, Sims has been a spark averaging 13 kills. Brandon Grabow would lead the evening with a season-high 49 assists.
 
Queens will have a quick turnaround as they welcome crosstown rival Belmont Abbey to Curry Arena, tomorrow, Feb. 25 for a 7:00 p.m. start. Be sure to follow the Royals men's volleyball program on Instagram to stay up to date on all the latest news and updates surrounding the team. Fans are also encouraged to follow Queens Athletics on social media @QueensAthletics to follow all of the Royals sports in action.
 
The Queens University of Charlotte Athletic Department has made updates to its fan policy for indoor sports as the COVID-19 climate continues to change. Starting Monday, Feb. 21, Queens Athletics events held inside Curry Arena will be open to fans up to 50 percent capacity. There is no longer a restriction on the general public attending. Teams currently in season that this effect are men's and women's basketball and men's volleyball. Masks are required while indoors for attendance. Please click here for the cost to attend events.
 
Social distancing and face coverings are required at all times.
 
Gates will open 30 minutes prior to the start of the scheduled event.
 
No tailgating is allowed on the premises.

Queens Athletics will continue to stream as many home events as possible on the Queens Sports Network. To keep up with the Royals from home, stream games live on your computer or mobile devices by visiting www.queensathletic.com or downloading the Queens Royals app. Additionally, fans can download the Queens Athletics app on their Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire TV devices. Just type Queens University or Queens University Athletics into the search bar. Fans are also encouraged to follow Queens Athletics on all social media platforms by searching @QueensAthletics for updates. 
 
This policy is subject to change at any time based on changes in the current climate.