CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Opening Day for Division 1 college baseball is set for Friday, February 13^th, and the Queens University of Charlotte baseball team is gearing up to host Navy at The Stick Williams Dream Fields. The three-game opening weekend series will start Friday at 4:00 p.m. before continuing Saturday and Sunday at 1:00 p.m. and 12:00 p.m., respectively.
 
Fans can follow the action through the live stats here, or follow the Queens Baseball X account for in-game updates and highlights.
 
"A new team this year and we're ready to go," said Queens head coach Jake Hendrick. "We are pumped to compete, fight through adversity, and elevate this program to new levels."
 
Queens was picked to finish sixth in the Graphite Division of the 2026 Preseason Coaches Poll, and ninth in the D1Baseball ASUN Preview. The Royals are coming off a 9-44 overall record and a 7-23 mark in ASUN play last season. Queens has completely revamped the roster with 23 newcomers to join the 13 returning players.
 
The 2026 group features an exciting brand of baseball with elite speed and athleticism throughout the lineup. Six of the Royals projected starters run a sub-6.6 in the 60-yard dash, playing directly into Coach Hendrick's offensive philosophy. While Hendrick was at Northeastern State, he led the River Hawks to 120+ home runs, 120+ doubles, and 120+ stolen bases in a single season, the only team in the country to do so.
 
Offensively, Anibal Rivera will return after a solid first season in the Queen City. The infielder started all 53 games last season, serving as the primary leadoff option, and recorded a .372 on-base percentage with seven home runs and 20 RBI. Junior college transfers Kendall McDowell (Seminole State), Thomas Mathay (Panola), and Mitchell Basterrechea (Lassen) are newcomers expected to make an immediate impact in the middle of the lineup. Additionally, UNCW transfers BJ Brown and Dylan Schaefer will occupy spots in the lineup immediately.
 
On the mound, Queens returns a pair of arms in Joey Ruller and Adrian Quezada. Ruller, a southpaw from Charlotte, made 16 appearances, including eight starts, last season for the Royals, totaling 52.1 innings of work. Quezada, a 2024 NJCAA Third Team All-American, turned in a 5.40 ERA, the second best on the team across 56.2 innings of work in his first season in Charlotte last year. Cleveland Community College transfer Jackson Gowan is expected to fill a weekend role after a 10-4 campaign that year at Cleveland. Austin Peay transfer Davin Pollard is expected to slide into the closer role as he brings an elite fastball to close out games.
 
Queens will be looking to replace former right-hander Landry Jurecka after he was selected in the 18^th round of the 2025 MLB Draft by the San Diego Padres. Jurecka was sensational last season, leading the team in innings pitched (84.0), strikeouts (88), and ERA (3.21).
 
The Royals 56-game slate features five opponents coming off NCAA Tournament appearances, and two programs coming off Super Regional appearances. In addition, the 2026 schedule features seven first-time opponents, including in-state foes Charlotte, Elon, and Gardner-Webb.
 
"This is the type of schedule you should come to expect from us with such great opponents," said Hendrick. "Appalachian State, South Carolina, Duke, and North Carolina are some great repeat opponents, but I think the non-conference schedule is really highlighted by the last six games before conference play starts."
 
For more information on the 2026 schedule, click here. Be sure to follow the baseball program on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date with Queens Baseball throughout the offseason. Fans are also encouraged to follow Queens Athletics on social media @QueensAthletics, to stay up to date with all of the Royals' Athletics.