CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Queens University of Charlotte softball team fell in their first home conference doubleheader by scores of 6-0 and 1-0 against the Lions of North Alabama at the Stick on Sunday, March 24.
FIRST PITCH
Scores: North Alabama 6 | Queens 0, North Alabama 1 | Queens 0
Records: North Alabama (23-9 overall, 4-1 ASUN) | Queens (11-14 overall, 0-5 ASUN)
Location: Charlotte, N.C. (The Stick)
GAME BY GAME
- In game one, both squads remained scoreless until the third inning when North Alabama mustered up a single down the left field line from Haven Kirby and scored a run to jump ahead. The Lions would get the bases loaded, but Autumn Courtney would force a pop fly and get the Royals out of the inning.
- At the bottom of the third, Queens threatened as Madison Cantoni reached base on a throwing error and Kaylee DeJesus singled to third. Yet, Alivia Wilken and the Lions defense would leave them stranded to finish out the half-inning. DeJesus' hit in this inning would be the only hit of the game for the Royals.
- Both the Lions and the Royals failed to get a runner in scoring position in the fourth inning. It would be the fifth inning that changed the game — as a four-run, three hit effort would push the Lions ahead by a 5-0 advantage.
- The Lions would grab their next and final run of the game in the top of the seventh from a home run by Haley Jones.
- Courtney would finish with six strikeouts, allowed six hits, and five runs from inside the circle in the first five innings, while Kenzie Forrester pitched the final two innings and allowed one hit and one run.
- Courtney's 126 pitches marked the most amount of pitches in a game for the sophomore this season.
- In game two, Jordan Dunn started in the pitching spot for the Royals and only allowed three hits in seven innings.
- The Royals and the Lions battled scoreless for six straight innings, and Queens outhit the Lions in the nightcap four-to-three.
- In the fourth, it looked like North Alabama would be the first ones to strike, but a huge lunging catch from Kaylee DeJesus in left field would end the inning.
- In the top of the seventh, North Alabama landed a runner on base after a single to left. A passed ball would put her on second, and a sacrifice bunt would move the runner to third. A sacrifice fly from Raegan Clem would score the runner and give the Lions a 1-0 lead with only one more chance for the Royals to capitalize.
- Lindsey DeRoeck would single up the middle to lead things off in the bottom of the inning for Queens, and a sacrifice bunt from Brooke Piper would get the runner in scoring position. A flyout from Kiana Termine would get the runner at third with two outs — but Queens wouldn't be able to get the runner home, falling 1-0.
UP NEXT
Up next, the Royals finish the series with North Alabama on Monday, March 25 at 11:00 AM at the Stick.
SOCIAL MEDIA
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