CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Queens University of Charlotte men's lacrosse team (0-1) opened its season this afternoon in Lexington, Va., at VMI, falling 14-10 to the Keydets.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
After scoring the game's first goal to lead 1-0 early, the Royals found themselves on the opposite end of a 7-0 run by VMI that carried into the second quarter. A goal from Jack Royer would break up the run with 6:37 to play until the half, but the Keydets scored twice more to take a 9-2 lead at the break.
 
Queens cut the margin to seven in the third, 12-5, before putting together a 5-0 run that stretched into the fourth quarter. The Royals cut the lead to three, 13-10, with 3:15 to play but the goal from Royer would be the final of the day as VMI found the back of the cage once more to earn their first win of the season.
 
KEY STATS & NOTES

• Royer led the Royals with four goals while Ryan Lightsey finished with two goals and two assists after scoring the first goal of the 2024 season for Queens.
• Grant Isika won 14-of-28 faceoffs and totaled five ground balls.
• Gage Turner took the loss in goal for Queens after recording five saves in 24:39. Nicky West played 35:21 and tallied six saves.
• Adam Norris took today's win in goal for VMI after totaling nine saves.
• Ty Yonas led the Keydets with three goals and one assist.
• Queens was outshot 40-37, putting 19 shots on goal compared to VMI's 25 shots on goal.
• The Royals were edged in ground balls, 24-23, and both teams recorded 14 faceoff wins.

 
HEAD COACH NIK COLPITTS' QUOTE
"Today was a tale of two halves and it was an important lesson for our young group. It took us a while to settle in and find our rhythm. I thought our adjustments at halftime sparked some energy and belief but unfortunately, we just dug ourselves too big of a hole to come back from. I am really proud of the resiliency that our team showed in the second half. Credit to VMI and their staff; I thought especially offensively they took advantage of our mistakes. Our message this year has been focusing on growing every opportunity we get, and today we showed a lot of growth."
 
UP NEXT
The Royals are scheduled to host High Point University on Sunday, Feb. 18 at noon. Check out the full 2024 Queens Men's Lacrosse Schedule here.

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