CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Queens softball continues to compete at a high level early on in their inaugural Division I campaign. This past weekend, they competed in the Pinnacle Scotsman Invitational, competing in three games including a Saturday doubleheader against Buffalo, and a Sunday matinee against Presbyterian. 

The Royals kicked off the weekend by splitting the doubleheader with Buffalo on Saturday afternoon. Autumn Courtney pitched a gem in the first game,  shutting out the Bulls en route to a 2-0 victory to kick off the invitational.

Buffalo would go on to take the second game with a close 4-3 victory over the Royals.

The final game of the weekend occurred Sunday afternoon as the Royals took on host Presbyterian College. For the second time in as many days, Courtney took the mound and was dominant from start to finish.

Courtney earned a strikeout in each of the first two innings as the game would remain scoreless heading into the third inning. 

Queens was able to strike first in the top of the third thanks to Gerlea Patton, who continues to swing a hot bat early in the season. She knocked a single through the right side, bringing home Kaylee DeJesus and Natalie Wescott who both reached base prior with base hits. 

With the score still 2-0 heading into the fifth, the Royals were able to tack on another trio of runs. Ashlyn Mickler found space up the middle to bring home Caroline Johnson to make the score 3-0. In the next at-bat, Mickler stole second which forced a throwing error by the catcher, ultimately bringing home Patton for Queens' fourth run of the game. The final run would cross the plate one play later, as a single by Kayla Smith brought home Mickler. 

Courtney would shut down Buffalo for the remaining two innings and earn her seventh win of the season.

COACH'S WORDS

"The team battled all weekend" said head coach Stacey Schramm. "We had different players step up offensively which reinforces how well this team works together and depends on one another. Our pitching staff and defense did a great job shutting down the opponents' offense. It takes a ton of pressure off at the plate when we're pitching and playing defense well."

NEXT UP
The Royals will return to Clinton, South Carolina next weekend for another pair of games against Presbyterian on Saturday, March 11, before returning home to face the Blue Hose at home on Sunday, March 12.