CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Queens University of Charlotte women's volleyball team came up short in a hard-fought home match against Central Arkansas on Friday evening, dropping a 3–0 decision (22–25, 14–25, 13–25) inside Curry Arena.
Queens started the opening set with energy, going point-for-point with Central Arkansas through 13 ties and eight lead changes. Elizabeth Layson led the Royals' attack early with several key kills that kept Queens neck-and-neck with the Sugar Bears. Late in the set, Queens held a 22–19 lead before UCA rallied for six straight points to steal the opener, 25–22.
The momentum shifted in the second frame as Central Arkansas' blocking and serving pressure limited the Royals' rhythm. Queens hung close early, taking a 9–6 lead behind kills from Mia McMillen and Camryn Teasley, but the visitors responded with a 15–2 run to take control and close the set, 25–14.
In the third, UCA carried its momentum forward with a fast 7–0 start, fueled by two service aces from Ella Chaney. Queens fought to settle into a groove with kills from Layson, Ellis Sargent, and Callie DeSchryver, but the Sugar Bears' .375 hitting clip in the frame proved too much to overcome as the Royals fell 25–13.
Offensively, Layson led Queens with 15 kills on a .370 hitting percentage and added a block assist. DeSchryver followed with seven kills and five digs, while McMillen chipped in six digs, two kills, and a service ace. Tyler Peluso and Megan Kelly combined for 21 assists, helping guide the Royals' offense, and Tilley Collins anchored the back row with 15 digs.
UP NEXT
Queens returns home to Curry Arena on Sunday, Oct. 19, hosting North Alabama for a 1:00 PM EST start.
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