CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Queens volleyball opened its ASUN slate at home with a milestone victory, taking down North Florida 3–1 (25–22, 12–25, 25–20, 25–20) on Sunday afternoon inside Curry Arena. The win was the Royals' first ASUN triumph of the season and the first conference victory for head coach Matt Stolz.
The opening set featured eight ties and four lead changes, as neither team allowed breathing room. Queens leaned on steady defense from Mia McMillen and timely kills from Ellis Sargent and Emma Norris to keep pace. With the score tied 19–19, the Royals surged behind back-to-back points at the net, and a Sargent kill followed by a DeSchryver finish sealed the 25–22 win.
North Florida responded in the second with a dominant frame, hitting .577 with 15 kills and no errors. The Royals were held to seven kills and were unable to slow the Ospreys' offense, dropping the set 25–12 to even the match.
Queens regrouped in the third. Norris set the tone early with back-to-back kills, and DeSchryver's swings sparked a mid-set run. Setter Tyler Peluso distributed 10 assists in the frame, finding Sargent and Camryn Teasley for key points. After seven ties, Queens pulled away late with a Norris kill and Collins ace to win 25–20 and reclaim momentum.
The Royals carried their confidence into the fourth. Elizabeth Layson and Norris teamed up for multiple kills in the middle stages, while McMillen anchored the back row with a match-high 18 digs. DeSchryver's thirteenth kill of the afternoon brought Queens to match point. Norris then delivered, capping a 25–20 set and a milestone win for Stolz.
"A lot of credit goes to North Florida. They're young and very talented, and that second set was probably one of their best of the season. I think it caught us a little off guard," Head Coach Matt Stolz said. "But the great thing about volleyball is it's just one set. After it ended, we regrouped and talked about how to move forward and refocus. I thought our team showed great mental toughness - we made some adjustments, came out with a fresh start after the intermission, and played really good volleyball the rest of the way."
DeSchryver paced Queens with 13 kills and three blocks, while Norris posted 11 kills on .318 hitting with two aces and two blocks. Sargent added six kills on .313 hitting, and Peluso finished with 28 assists, two aces, and five digs.
McMillen's 18 digs led all players, with Collins contributing 15 from the libero spot. Queens out-aced North Florida 8–5 and recorded 63 digs, holding the Ospreys under .110 in both the third and fourth sets.
UP NEXT
Next, The Royals continue ASUN play on the road next weekend against Stetson and FGCU.
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