CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Queens Royals women's soccer team dropped a 3-2 decision to Miami (OH) in the first-ever meeting between the two programs on Thursday evening at the Queens Sports Complex.

SCORING SUMMARY
23' – MIAMI – Jenna Blackburn (Assist Kennedy Graf)
30' – MIAMI – Emma Torkelson (Assist Lily Patton)
37' – MIAMI – Maddie May (Unassisted)
74' – QUEENS – Helena Merkle (Unassisted)
82' – QUEENS – Helena Merkle (Unassisted)

Turning Point
After falling behind 3-0 in the first half, the Royals clawed back with a spirited second-half push. Freshman midfielder, Helena Merkle sparked the rally with her first career goal in the 74th minute before delivering again eight minutes later, converting a free kick from 22 yards out to cut the deficit to one. Despite the Royals late surge, Miami held on for the narrow victory.

Key Stats & Notes

• Baden-Württemberg, Germany native Helena Merkle recorded her first career brace for Queens.
• Hannah Dike-Lawlor made four saves in her second career start in goal.
• Queens finished with seven shots, four of which were on frame, while Miami recorded 19 shots and seven on target.
• Helena Merkle and McKayla Budion each recorded two shot attempts to lead the Royals attack. Grace Acevedo also put a shot on frame.
• Savannah Stuart, Sejla Podzic, Erin Coleman, Ansleigh Prell, Addison Mello, Helena Merkle and Hannah Dike-Lawlor each played the full 90 minutes.
• Miami held a 7-1 edge in corner kicks.

Up Next
Queens will close out its four-game homestand on Thursday night when the Royals host Elon at 7 p.m. The matchup will mark the sixth all-time meeting between the two programs.