CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Queens University of Charlotte Department of Athletics is proud to announce their annual summer awards series, celebrating the outstanding accomplishments of its student-athletes during the 2024-25 season.
Award winners will be revealed every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the summer across the department's official social media platforms. Today, we recognize the winners of the Team Upset Win of the Year Award.
Team Upset Win of the Year Award
Men's Team Upset Win – Queens 75, Lipscomb 73
Queens University of Charlotte men's basketball delivered a signature comeback win on January 9, 2025, erasing a 13-point second-half deficit to defeat ASUN preseason favorite Lipscomb, 75–73, on the road. Down 54–41 with under 16 minutes to play, the Royals caught fire offensively, shooting 57 percent in the second half and knocking down six three-pointers to surge back into contention.
Chris Ashby led the effort with a game-high 20 points, hitting six threes, while Kalib Mathews posted a season-best 13 points at the time, seven rebounds, and went five-of-six from the free throw line. With the game tied in the final seconds, Bryce Cash drove to the rim and finished the go-ahead layup with 5.4 seconds remaining. Queens' defense held firm on the final possession, securing the upset and preserving the team's perfect 3–0 start to ASUN play. The win also improved the Royals to 10–6 overall and marked one of the most resilient performances of the season.
Women's Team Upset Win – Queens 5, Maryland 4
On February 23, 2025, at the Carolina Classic, Queens softball captured its first-ever victory over a Big Ten program, edging Maryland 5–4. The Royals struck early, unleashing a five-run explosion in the second inning. The sequence began with Kaylee DeJesus sending a clutch RBI double to plate the game's first run. Later in the inning, Makala Strickland delivered a pivotal two-RBI single, giving Queens a commanding lead.
In the circle, freshman Taylor Jones hurled a complete game. She allowed nine hits, just one earned run, and recorded four strikeouts, earning the win. Offensively, Olivia Thornton stood out with a two-for-three performance that included an RBI, providing consistent contact and run production.
Despite a determined comeback from the Terrapins, with Maryland scratching across runs in the fourth and fifth to close the gap, Jones and the Royals' defense held firm to grab the first Big Ten victory for the program.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Follow Queens Athletics to stay updated on all the Royals sports teams in action by searching @QueensAthletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
