GREENVILLE, N.C. – The Queens University of Charlotte Royals (0-1) opened their 2024 season this afternoon at ECU, falling 15-12 to the Pirates.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
After allowing the Pirates to get on the board first, the Royals reeled off five straight to build a 5-2 lead heading into the second quarter. However, a three-goal run by ECU late in the second quarter would allow the Pirates to cut the margin to just one, 8-7, by halftime.
 
The third quarter was all the Pirates as they followed a goal by Queens' Isabella Swanson with five unanswered to take over control of the game. Trailing 12-9 heading into the final 15 minutes of play, Queens would match the three goals scored by the Pirates in the fourth to give the game its final score, 15-12.
 
KEY STATS & NOTES

• Kayleen Favreau led the Royals with three points on two goals and one assist while Ainsley Thurston, Maura O'Donoghue, and Jordan Tandler each scored twice in the game.
• O'Donoghue led the Royals in the circle, securing seven draw controls.
• Abby Zeigenfuse tallied four ground balls to cross the century mark in career ground balls this afternoon.
• Caroline Kraemer took today's loss in goal after totaling seven saves in 35:21. Gianna Coburn also saw time in the cage, recording two saves.
• Jaime Behar took the win in goal for ECU after totaling 11 saves in 34:37.
• Frances Kimel, Erin Gulden, and Emily Stratton totaled four goals each for ECU.
• Queens outshot ECU 33-27, putting 27 shots on goal compared to the Pirates' 24 shots on goal.
• The Royals also won the battle for ground balls (18-10) and draw controls (16-15).

 
HEAD COACH KELLY MCQUILKIN'S QUOTE
"I'm really proud of the way my team fought today. Our staff has been pushing the team hard in practice to start fast and we accomplished that.
 
ECU is a great team and we learned so much today.  We're eager to get back on our home turf and welcome Elon to Charlotte on Wednesday."
 
Up Next
The Royals are scheduled to host Elon on Feb. 14 for a Valentine's Day home opener. Click here for a look at the full 2024 Queens Women's Lacrosse Schedule.

Social Media
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