CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Queens University of Charlotte women's soccer earned its second straight draw to open the 2025 season, finishing level 1-1 against Gardner-Webb on Sunday evening at Dickson Field.

SCORING SUMMARY
17' – QUEENS – Sejla Podzic (Assist Helena Merkle)
18' – GARDNER-WEBB – Olivia Tribolet (Assist Taryn Pekala)

Turning Point
The Royals struck first in the 17th minute when Sejla Podzic capitalized on a set piece, finishing off a corner kick from Helena Merkle to give Queens the early lead. Gardner-Webb answered less than a minute later, and neither side could find the winner in the remaining minutes.

Key Stats & Notes

• Sejla Podzic's goal was the fourth of her career and her first of the 2025 season.
• German midfielder, Helena Merkle recorded the first assist of her career on the set-piece goal.
• Freshman goalkeeper Hannah Dike-Lawlor anchored the Royals with five saves, including a pair of second-half stops that preserved the result.
• Freshman Shion Hwang provided an offensive spark off the bench, leading the Royals with six shots, three of which were on target.
• Sejla Podzic, Erin Coleman, Addison Mello, and Hannah Dike-Lawlor each logged the full 90 minutes, while Ansleigh Prell (82 minutes) and Savannah Stuart (76 minutes) added key defensive contributions.
• Queens outshot Gardner-Webb 15–9 and held a 9–3 advantage in corner kicks.
• Grace Acevedo registered two shots, while Sejla Podzic, Madeline Cheatham, Connie Dutton, McKayla Budion, Addison Mello, Ansleigh Prell, and Hailey Pereira each added one attempt.

Up Next
Queens is back at home on Thursday for a matchup against Miami (OH), marking the first-ever meeting between the two programs.

Social Media
Be sure to follow the Queens Women's Soccer team on Facebook, X, and Instagram throughout the 2024 season to get the latest news and updates. Fans are also encouraged to follow Queens Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok by searching @QueensAthletics.