JACKSONVILLE, FLA. – A dominant second inning and clutch pitching helped Queens University of Charlotte secure a 6-5 victory over Jacksonville on Sunday afternoon. The Royals used a five-run second inning and a late insurance run in extras to hold off a late rally by the Dolphins.

GAME THREE: Queens 6, Jacksonville 5 

• After a scoreless first inning, Queens erupted for five runs in the top of the second to seize control of the game. Olivia Thornton got the Royals on the board with a solo shot to center, while Lauren Byrd followed with a two-run homer of her own. Taylor Jones delivered a single later on, clearing the bases to put Queens ahead 5-0.
• Jacksonville remained scoreless until the bottom of the fifth when they capitalized on a Queens defensive miscue and a timely single to push across three runs, trimming the deficit to 5-3.
• The Dolphins continued their comeback bid in the sixth, plating two more runs to tie the game at 5-5. However, Abby Craver entered in relief and shut down the rally, stranding the tying run in scoring position and sending the game to extra innings.
• Queens added a crucial insurance run in the ninth, taking advantage of a Jacksonville error to extend the lead to 6-5. Craver then slammed the door in the bottom half, securing the win with a clean inning to take the final game of the series.

ROYAL RUNDOWN

• Lauren Byrd led the Royals at the plate, going 1-for-3 with a two-run homer and a walk.
• Olivia Thornton finished 2-for-5 with a solo home run and an RBI.
• Taylor Jones provided the go-ahead hit in the second, driving in three runs with a clutch single.
• Kaylee DeJesus recorded two hits, while Lindsey DeRoeck added a double.
• Abby Craver earned the win in relief, tossing 4.1 innings with two strikeouts and allowing just two earned runs.
• Queens outhit Jacksonville 10-6 and took advantage of two Dolphin errors.

UP NEXT
The Royals will face Western Carolina for a midweek single game showdown on Wednesday, March 26 at 5 PM in Cullowhee.

SOCIAL MEDIA
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