FORT MYERS, FLA. – The Queens University of Charlotte women's volleyball team saw its postseason run come to a close on Thursday afternoon, falling 3–1 to No. 3 seed Eastern Kentucky in the ASUN Championship quarterfinals inside Alico Arena. Queens claimed the third set behind one of its strongest defensive frames of the season, but EKU held the momentum to take the match by scores of 25–14, 25–19, 25–20, and 25–14.
Queens opened the afternoon with an early 2–0 lead in the first set, but the Colonels responded with a series of extended runs that pushed them in front for good. EKU's block and serve pressure forced the Royals into challenging out-of-system swings, allowing the Colonels to take the opener. The second set followed a similar rhythm as Queens worked its way into multiple ties early before EKU used a mid-set surge to extend its match lead.
The Royals' response in the third was tough, recording eight blocks in the frame and holding EKU to a .050 hitting percentage while piecing together timely swings and transition points to extend the match. The momentum carried Queens into the fourth, but EKU quickly regained control with a 7–1 opening stretch and continued to convert at the net, closing the afternoon strong to secure the result.
Queens was led offensively by Mia McMillen, who posted a match-high 13 kills while adding 10 digs for a double-double. Emma Norris delivered a complete performance with nine kills on .304 hitting along with a team-best 10 total blocks to anchor the Royals at the net. Ellis Sargent added six kills and provided key defensive presence with four blocks, while Callie DeSchryver chipped in five kills and steady play in serve-receive. In the back row, Tilley Collins paced Queens with 13 digs, and setters Tyler Peluso and Marlee Cook combined for 35 assists to guide the offense.
Following the match, Head Coach Matt Stolz reflected on the team's competitive spirit and growth. "We competed as best as we could today and unfortunately came up short. I'm proud of the competitive nature and how we've battled throughout the season. While we didn't reach our ultimate goal, it does not take away how much the program has improved and how far we've come in the past few months. Queens volleyball is becoming a strong brand that will only continue to grow. I'm proud of our 3 seniors who have made a big impact that will be felt for years to come."
Queens concludes the 2025 campaign at 18–12 overall and 9–7 in ASUN play, marking its highest win total in the Division I era and signaling momentum for the program moving forward.
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