ROCK HILL, S.C. – The Queens University of Charlotte Royals (3-2) traveled south down I-77 as they faced the Winthrop Eagles (0-3). The Royals defeated the Eagles 13-8 for their first road victory of the season and improved to 2-0 all-time in the matchup.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Royals came out of the gates hot as they took control early by scoring four unanswered goals to force Winthrop into a timeout halfway through the first quarter. Queens had four different players score each goal including Ainsley Thurston who extended her team's lead with her 13th of the season. The Royals took full control in the second quarter as they outscored the Eagles 3-1 en route to an 8-2 lead at the half.
 
A goalkeeper change in the second half allowed the Eagles to slightly cut into the deficit as they trailed 10-5 at the end of the third quarter. The Royals would, however, regain momentum in the fourth thanks to three early goals which stretched their lead to 13-6. The Eagles would cut the margin with two more goals of their own but it was not enough as the Royals came away with their third victory of the season.
 
KEY STATS & NOTES

• Elise Grissett had her strongest performance in the young season as she recorded six points on four goals and two assists. In the first quarter alone, she recorded two goals and an assist on four shot attempts
• Ainsley Thurston continued her strong offensive season with two goals on four shots. She now leads the Royals this season with 14 total goals.
• Goalkeeper Caroline Kraemer had a strong performance as she allowed only two goals while recording five saves before being subbed out at halftime. Gianna Coburn completed the game, tallying five saves.
• Lexi Johnson led the Eagles with four goals.
• In goal, Emma Calhoun tallied 10 saves for Winthrop.
• The Royals outshot the Eagles 28-27 and 23-18 in shots on goal.
• Queens also edged the Eagles in ground balls, 20-19, while totaling 10 draw controls to Winthrop's 14.

 
 
HEAD COACH KELLY MCQUILKIN'S QUOTE
"We came out ready to play tonight. I'm proud of the work that this group is putting in each day and the lessons we're learning each time we're on the field. We're ready to get back on our home turf and host Duquesne early next week!"
 
Up Next
The Royals return home to host two Pennsylvania foes in Robert Morris and Duquesne next week. The Dukes take on the Royals at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 5 at the Queens Sports Complex while the Colonials battle the Royals at noon on Friday, March 8. Both games will be broadcast on ESPN+. This will be the first-ever matchup between Queens and Duquesne while the Royals look to avenge a heartbreaking 11-10 setback to Robert Morris last season in Moon Township. Click the link for a look at the full 2024 Queens Women's Lacrosse Schedule.

Social Media
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