CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Queens University of Charlotte softball team swiped two crucial conference wins, 3-2 and 2-1, over ASUN-foe Lipscomb today at Draper Diamond at Smith Stadium.
FIRST PITCH
Score: Queens 3, Lipscomb 2 | Queens 2, Lipscomb 1
Records: Queens (18-20, 5-9 ASUN) | Lipscomb (15-26, 4-10 ASUN)
Location: Nashville, Tenn. (Draper Diamond)
GAME 1 - QUEENS 3, LIPSCOMB 2
- Queens only had four hits in the game, but three came in the two-run third for the Royals. Kayla Smith singled to lead off the inning, then Abby Craver doubled to have two runners in scoring position. Lindsey DeRoeck then reached on an error by second base that allowed both runners to score. Kasidi Staley also singled later in the inning.
- Smith had two of the team's hits and two of the three runs. Her second hit was a single in the top of the seventh, that was followed by DeRoeck reaching on another error by the catcher, that allowed Smith to score the go-ahead run.
- The two runs by the Bisons were supplied by a Katelyn Belding triple in the bottom of the third that drove in Kaylyn Belfield and Briyana Wright to tie the game.
- Both pitchers went the distance for each side. Autumn Courtney, of Queens, struck out seven, allowed seven hits, walked three, and allowed two earned runs. Lipscomb's Laine Barefoot only allowed four hits, but also walked four batters, giving up three runs, only two of which were earned.
GAME 2 - QUEENS 2, LIPSCOMB 1
- The Royals went down early due to Bisons' Brenna Sherman driving home Elle Smith on an RBI double in the bottom of the second.
- A Lipscomb error supplied a run to Queens in game two, as well. Madison Cantoni reached on an error by the shortstop in the top of the fourth, which allowed DeRoeck to score.
- Once again the road team took the lead for good in the top of the seventh. Natalie Windham doubled home Kaylee DeJesus to take the lead 2-1.
- Abby Craver got the start and went 5.1 innings and only allowed one earned run. Courtney came in with the bases loaded in the bottom of the sixth with only one out, and was able to get a line out and groundout to get out of the inning.
- Courtney struck out two in the bottom of the seventh to cement the victory, her second win of the day. She now has 198 strikeouts on the season, best in Division I, and now 389 in career strikeouts.
REMARKS FROM HEAD COACH KELLA GOINS
"Great team win today," Coach Goins said. "Pitchers threw two great games, and we were able to string things together offensively. Really proud of the product we put on the field today!"
UP NEXT
Up next, the Royals stay in Nashville for the final game against Lipscomb on Sunday, April 14 for a 2:00 PM (ET) start.
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.