OPENING PITCH
Scores: Florida Gulf Coast 10, Queens 8
Records: Queens (6-16, 0-3 ASUN) | FGCU (9-17, 3-0 ASUN)
Location: The Stick (Charlotte, N.C.)

THE SHORT STORY
The Queens University of Charlotte softball team mounted multiple late rallies but ultimately fell 10-8 to Florida Gulf Coast on Saturday afternoon at The Stick, closing out the ASUN Conference opening series.

HOW IT HAPPENED
Florida Gulf Coast opened the scoring in the third inning, capitalizing on a Queens error before Olivia Black delivered a two-RBI single up the middle to give the Eagles a 3-0 lead.

Queens answered immediately in the bottom half of the inning. Dani Stewart reached on an error before Sage Farmer singled to put two runners on. Olivia Thornton then doubled to right field to bring home two runs before Lindsay Henson followed with an RBI single up the middle to tie the game at 3-3.

The Eagles regained control in the fourth inning as Sietske Drijvers launched a three-run home run to center field before Mackenzie Leiti followed with a solo homer to push the lead to 7-3.

Queens chipped away in the fifth inning when Henson doubled to left field to score Thornton and cut the deficit to 7-4.

FGCU extended its lead again in the sixth inning on a two-run home run from KiKi Daniels to make it 9-4.

The Royals responded with a three-run rally in the bottom of the sixth. Madison Cantoni and Dani Stewart worked walks before Farmer tripled to right field to drive in two runs. Lauren Byrd then doubled to left field to bring home Farmer and trim the deficit to 9-7.

Florida Gulf Coast added an insurance run in the top of the seventh inning on an RBI double from Drijvers.

Queens threatened again in the bottom of the frame. Kami Diaz singled and Cantoni walked before the Royals loaded the bases. Farmer drew a bases-loaded walk to bring home a run and make it 10-8, but FGCU recorded the final out to secure the win.

BY THE NUMBERS

• Sage Farmer led Queens with two hits, including a triple, and three RBIs.
• Lindsay Henson finished with two hits, including a double, and two RBIs.
• Olivia Thornton recorded a double and two RBIs.
• Lauren Byrd added an RBI double in the sixth inning.
• Madison Cantoni drew three walks in the contest.
• Queens scored in four different innings and rallied for four runs across the final two frames.

UP NEXT
Queens has a quick turnaround and faces Gardner-Webb at home on Tuesday, March 17.

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.