OPENING PITCH
Score: Queens 2 | UAB 3
Records: Queens (2-6) | UAB (9-8)
Location: Carolina SB Stadium (Columbia, S.C.)

THE SHORT STORY
The Queens University of Charlotte softball team dropped a tightly contested 3-2 decision to UAB on Friday afternoon after a three-run first inning proved to be the difference. The Royals answered with a two-run home run in the third from Olivia Thornton, but were held without a hit the rest of the way.

HOW IT HAPPENED
UAB struck early in the bottom of the first. After a pair of baserunners reached, Ashlyn Shirah launched a three-run home run to left field to give the Blazers a 3-0 advantage.

Queens settled in defensively behind Addison Kluck, who went on to throw a complete game. The right-hander limited further damage and kept the Royals within striking distance.

The Royals responded in the top of the third. Sage Farmer worked a walk and, with two outs, Olivia Thornton drove a pitch down the left field line for a two-run home run to cut the deficit to 3-2.

Queens put a runner aboard in the sixth when Thornton drew a walk, but UAB turned a double play to end the threat. The Royals were retired in order in the seventh as the Blazers closed out the one-run victory.

BY THE NUMBERS

• Olivia Thornton drove in both Queens runs with a two-run homer in the third.
• Lauren Byrd recorded the Royals' other hit of the game.
• Sage Farmer reached base three times via walk and added a stolen base.
• Addison Kluck tossed 6.0 innings, allowing three runs on seven hits with two strikeouts.
• Queens pitching held UAB scoreless over the final five innings.

UP NEXT
Queens continues play in Columbia with its next matchup of the weekend against UAB again tomorrow morning at 10 AM.

SOCIAL MEDIA
Be sure to follow the Royals softball team on Instagram and Twitter/X to stay up to date on all the latest news surrounding the team. Fans are also encouraged to follow Queens Athletics to stay updated on all the Royals sports teams in action by searching @QueensAthletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.