CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Queens University of Charlotte softball team finished off the series finale with a 4-3 walk-off win over Central Arkansas on Sunday, April 7.
 

FIRST PITCH
Score: Queens 4, Central Arkansas 3
Records: Central Arkansas 16-22, 7-5 ASUN | Queens 16-18, 3-9 ASUN)
Location: Charlotte, N.C. (The Stick)

PLAY-BY-PLAY

• Central Arkansas kicked off the game with a leadoff double and a bunt single to immediately get runners on base — but Queens didn't let them sit too long, as a fielder's choice, a lineout, and a groundout retired the side.
• The Royals would fail to score in the bottom of the first, and Central Arkansas would punch in a run first in the top of the second. The Sugar Bears used an error to bring in a run before the Royals escaped the inning.
• In the bottom of the second, Queens used the power of freshman Brooke Piper to send a shot out to left center, scoring two to take a 2-1 lead. Central Arkansas would be forced to switch up pitching to get out of the inning without further damage from the Royals.
• The Sugar Bears soon responded with a homer of their own, scoring three runs to take a one-run advantage.
• Despite three scoreless innings from either side, Queens would attack when it mattered most with an RBI single from Natalie Windham to tie the ballgame up at 3-3 in the bottom of the sixth.
• The Sugar Bears would fail to respond in the top of the seventh, giving Queens the choice of extra innings or a walk-off — and they secured the walk-off RBI single down the left field line from Kasidi Staley to seal the 4-3 win.

BALLPARK BULLETS

• The Royals had a solid offensive day with seven hits from Staley (2), Windham (2), Piper (1), Makala Strickland (1), and Kayla Smith (1).
• Autumn Courtney went the distance in seven innings allowing eight hits but struck out five and only walked two. Courtney now sits with a 12-7 overall record on the year inside the circle.
• On the Sugar Bear side, Kylie Griffin and Renee Christian finished with two hits apiece to lead their squad.

UP NEXT
Up next, the Royals head to Raleigh for a midweek doubleheader against NC State on Tuesday, April 8.

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.