ROCK HILL, S.C. — The Queens University of Charlotte softball team took control of game one of the non-conference doubleheader against Winthrop, taking the 8-4 victory before falling in game two by a score of 10-4 on Wednesday, March 20.
In game one, the Royals got things going in the top of the third with Ashlyn Mickler and Roxanne Hensel each drawing back-to-back walks. Kayla Smith then put down a bunt single to load the bases before the Eagles were forced to make a pitching change. After the change, Abby Craver was hit by the pitch, sending in the first run for the Royals on the day. Another mishap from Winthrop would send another Royal home before Kiana Termine reached on a fielder's choice and Smith scored, giving her squad the 3-0 lead. The Royals would grab two more runs on a sacrifice fly and another walk before the Eagles were able to escape the inning.
Winthrop would respond with two runs in the bottom of the third inning, filling the bases with back-to-back singles and an error before Reece Basinger drove in two runs with a smack to the outfield. Autumn Courtney and her defense would retire the side, still with the three-run advantage.
Queens wasted no time getting back those two runs in the top of the fourth with a double to right center from freshman Hensel; her first career-hit as a Royal. Another precise bunt single from Smith would advance Hensel to third, and an error from the Eagles quickly put the score at 6-2. The Royals snagged their next run after a sacrifice fly to left field, scoring Smith.
Despite a rally from Winthrop in the bottom of the fifth scoring two runs, Queens solidified a four-run advantage in the top of the seventh with an RBI single from Juhles Kelly. The Royals held on to the 8-4 lead after a quick bottom of the seventh for the Eagles.
Courtney would finish with 10 strikeouts in the circle, while Smith would lead the offense going 2-for-2 at the plate.
In game two, Haley Nelson snagged her first start of the season in the circle. The Royals attacked early in the first with an RBI double down the right field line from Smith. Lindsey DeRoeck added another run after she smacked a hit to left field, scoring Smith before Winthrop's Basinger could finish off the inning in the circle.
Winthrop would take their first lead of the day in the bottom of the second inning with a three-RBI double from KaDedra Temple, a lead that would hold to the final inning.
Mickler would hit an RBI in the top of the fourth to cut Winthrop's lead, but a home run from Lilly Stump in the same inning would push the Eagles' lead farther. Kaylee DeJesus would grab a base and eventually score on a passed ball in the sixth inning, but the Eagles would eventually push their lead by six runs to finish out the day, 10-4.
REMARKS FROM ASSISTANT COACH BAILEY TAYLOR
"Tonight was a good turning point for our offense as we look to keep it rolling into our first home conference series this weekend," Taylor said. "Really looking forward to going out and competing against a strong UNA team."
UP NEXT
Up next, the Royals head back home to face North Alabama on the weekend at the Stick. Due to impending weather, make sure to stay up to date on Queens Softball social media for any game changes, as well as the Queens Softball schedule tab.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Be sure to follow the Royals softball team on Instagram and Twitter/X to stay up to date on all the latest news surrounding the team. Fans are also encouraged to follow Queens Athletics to stay updated on all the Royals sports teams in action by searching @QueensAthletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
