ROCK HILL, S.C. — The Queens University of Charlotte softball team wrapped up a busy Saturday with a doubleheader split, falling 5-2 to Presbyterian in the opener before bouncing back with a thrilling 10-8 victory over Winthrop. The Royals combined for 12 runs on 16 hits across both contests, with standout performances from Taylor Jones, Lindsey DeRoeck, and Alexi Markle leading the way.

GAME ONE: Queens 2, Presbyterian 5

• In the first game against Presbyterian, Queens took an early lead as Lauren Byrd slammed a homer to left field to put the Royals on top 1-0 in the second inning.
• Presbyterian responded quickly, scoring two runs in the top of the fourth to grab a 2-1 advantage. 
• Makala Strickland came up clutch in the fifth for Queens, dropping a single up the middle while the Blue Hose misplayed the ball, scoring Madyson Daughtry to even the playing field 2-2.
• The game remained tied until the eighth inning when the Blue Hose capitalized on a pair of hits to plate three runs, sealing a 5-2 win.
• Abby Craver got the start for Queens, tossing 4.0 innings and allowing two runs on five hits while striking out four. Taylor Jones and Kenzie Forrester combined for the final four innings, with Jones striking out three and allowing three runs.
• Offensively, Makala Strickland and Lauren Byrd each put up an RBI. Brooke Piper, Lindsey DeRoeck, Olivia Thornton, and Kaylee DeJesus each put up a hit in the matchup.

GAME TWO: Queens 10, Winthrop 8

• Queens wasted no time in game two, jumping out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning. Taylor Jones set the tone with a three-run home run — her first of the season — before adding an RBI double later in the game. She finished 2-for-3 with three RBI and two runs scored.
• The Royals continued to apply pressure, scoring two more runs in the fourth inning thanks to a home run from Brooke Piper and another homer from Alexi Markle.
• Lindsey DeRoeck provided the biggest swing of the day in the sixth, smashing a bases-clearing triple to drive in three runs and push Queens' lead to 9-6. DeRoeck went 2-for-4 with four RBI, a double, and a triple, capping off a stellar afternoon at the plate.
• Winthrop made a late push, but Queens' bullpen held firm. Abby Craver closed out the final frame, securing the 10-8 win.
• The Royals totaled 10 hits in the game, with contributions from Piper, Markle, and Jones, while the team drew six walks to keep the pressure on Winthrop's pitching staff.

POSTGAME COMMENTS
"I think the team responded well to a tough extra-inning loss [in game one]," Head Coach Kella Armstrong said. "They know that international tiebreaker is always a gamble. Our goal was to et it done in seven innings, and that's what they did."

UP NEXT
The Royals will cap off their time at the Winthrop Eagle Classic on March 9 for an early game against Boston U at 10 AM.

SOCIAL MEDIA
Be sure to follow the Royals softball team on Instagram and Twitter/X to stay up to date on all the latest news surrounding the team. Fans are also encouraged to follow Queens Athletics to stay updated on all the Royals sports teams in action by searching @QueensAthletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.