CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Queens University of Charlotte women's volleyball team claimed an impressive straight-set victory over N.C. Central on Friday night, sweeping the match 3-0 (26-24, 25-19, 25-23) at the Levine Center for the Queen City Invitational. This win improves Queens' record to 3-7 for the season.
The Royals were led by a strong performance from Kayla McDuffie, who delivered 14 kills with a hitting percentage of .524. Jordyn Johnson also contributed a double-double with 12 kills and 17 digs, while setter Kendall Buish kept the offense flowing with 38 assists.
The first set saw Queens battle through five ties and four lead changes, with the Royals pulling out a 26-24 win after a clutch block by Ellis Sargent and Emma Norris, followed by a silencing kill from Alleigh Johnson.
Queens found its rhythm in the second set, cruising to a 25-19 victory with 16 kills and only six errors. Despite the score being tied at 18-18, with the Eagles staying close, the Royals scored seven of the next eight points to seal the deal.
The third set was another nail-biter, featuring 12 ties and six lead changes. The Eagles pushed the Royals to the brink, but McDuffie's dominance at the net combined with a critical late-match spark from J. Johnson on offense helped secure the three-set victory, taking the third set 25-23.
"I think [McDuffie]'s numbers look impressive, but she truly does this every day," Head Coach Hannah Long said. "If we aren't passing well, she doesn't get as involved… but if you ever watch our practice, she is dominant."
Defensively, the Royals were rock-solid, finishing with 69 digs and seven total blocks, compared to N.C. Central's 58 digs and nine blocks. Queens also recorded three service aces.
"I think we are going to enjoy this one and get ready for ETSU tomorrow," Long added. "They are a different type of team, and we are going to have to have a different game plan going in… but I think whenever you get a win, especially in three, it should give us some confidence going into the next one."
UP NEXT
The Royals will close out the Queen City Invitational against the Buccaneers of East Tennessee State on Saturday, Sept. 20, at 1:00 PM.
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