CULLOWHEE, N.C. – Queens University of Charlotte battled Western Carolina in a tightly contested matchup on Wednesday afternoon but ultimately fell short, 3-1, after the Catamounts scored late runs to claim the victory at Catamount Softball Complex.
The Royals took an early lead in the second inning when Olivia Thornton reached base and later came around to score, giving Queens a 1-0 advantage. Brooke Piper delivered an RBI sacrifice fly to bring in the lone run for the Royals.
Queens' starting pitcher, Kenzie Forrester, kept the Catamounts' offense in check through the first five innings, limiting them to just one run in the sixth. Forrester tossed a complete game, going 6.1 innings while allowing nine hits and three runs (two unearned).
Western Carolina found their offensive spark late in the contest, tying the game in the sixth inning before Sydney Dirks launched a go-ahead two-run home run in the bottom of the seventh to hand the Royals the defeat.
The Royals' offense managed three hits in the game, with senior second baseman Emma Frye leading the way with a 2-for-3 performance at the plate. Queens struggled to generate scoring opportunities late, leaving seven runners on base. Despite the strong early pitching performance, the Royals were unable to close the game in the late stages.
ROYAL RUNDOWN
- Emma Frye led the Royals at the plate, going 2-for-3 and recording two of the team's three hits.
- Brooke Piper drove in the lone run with a sacrifice fly in the second inning, while Olivia Thornton crossed the plate for Queens' only run.
- Kenzie Forrester threw a complete game, pitching 6.1 innings.
- Queens totaled 19 putouts and eight assists but committed two errors.
UP NEXT
The Royals will face Stetson at the Stick on Friday, March 28 and Saturday, March 29.
SOCIAL MEDIA
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