CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Queens University of Charlotte women's volleyball team battled back for a competitive 3-2 win over the North Alabama Lions on Sunday afternoon inside Curry Arena. Bouncing back after a loss in the first set, the Royals brought the energy and managed to rally with the Lions over the final four sets, making it a highly competitive five-set match.

Queens and the Lions both made a strong start offensively, battling point-for-point early in the match until North Alabama stole the opener, 25-17, after going on a run late in the set. Elizabeth Layson led the Royals in kills for set one, chipping in three for a team total of 10, while the Lions ultimately totaled 12.

The momentum shifted in set two, where the Royals managed to maintain their lead throughout a competitive set against the Lions, closing 25-21. Layson and Mia McMillen led the attack, with efforts from Emma Norris, Ellis Sargent, and Anna Grace Sparks, respectively. Queens tallied 14 kills and a .205 hitting percentage, taking the edge over the Lions, who recorded 11 kills and a .050 hitting percentage.

The Royals never lost their energy in the third set, storming ahead and taking the set, 25-17. 

After going point-for-point the whole match, with four tied scores and one lead change, the Royals fell to the Lions at the final point, 25-23. Offensively and defensively, Queens maintained its momentum, tallying 17 kills with a .406 hitting percentage. 

In the final set, the Royals took a considerable lead early and held onto it, securing a win over the Lions. Queens hit .733 in the fifth to close out the match.

Offensively, Sargent led the Royals with 16 kills and a .533 hitting percentage. McMillen also tallied 16 kills and a .448 hitting percentage, adding 15 digs. Norris and Sparks followed with 10 kills apiece, while Layson added seven. Defensively, Tilley Collins anchored the back row with 13 digs, and the Royals combined for seven total blocks to close out the day.

Following the win, Head Coach Matt Stolz praised his team's effort and composure after a challenging week.

"Ellis Sargent played the best match of her career — she was unstoppable," Stolz said. "She really showed up to play, helped her team win, and it was great to see her efforts pay off. Mia [McMillen] played well and helped balance our attacks — she was incredible. Emma Norris was great with her hitting, added a couple of aces and a few blocks. Those three attackers really balanced us out. Our setters also played well and delivered the ball in great situations.

It was a challenging week with some adversity, but the team did a really good job stepping up and keeping a positive mindset. Lots of credit goes to this program and how they continue to respond."

UP NEXT
Queens faces West Georgia at Curry Arena on Wednesday, Oct. 22, at 6:00 PM EST start. The Royals are now 13-8 overall, and 4-4 in conference. 

SOCIAL MEDIA
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