OPENING PITCH
Scores: Queens 4, North Florida 5 (8 innings)
Records: Queens (12-29) | North Florida (33-16)
Location: UNF Softball Complex (Jacksonville, Fla.)

THE SHORT STORY
The Queens University of Charlotte softball team battled back to tie the game late but fell just short in extra innings, dropping a 5-4 decision to North Florida on Sunday afternoon. The Royals rallied in the seventh to force extras before the Ospreys secured the walk-off win in the eighth.

HOW IT HAPPENED
North Florida jumped out early, plating two runs in the opening inning to take control. Queens answered in the second, stringing together timely hits to even the score at 2-2.

The Ospreys regained the lead with single runs in the middle innings, moving ahead 4-2 heading into the final frame. Queens refused to go quietly, rallying in the seventh as clutch hitting sparked a two-run inning to tie the game at 4-4 and force extra innings.

In the eighth, North Florida capitalized on its opportunity, pushing across the game-winning run to edge the Royals, 5-4.

Queens finished with 10 hits in the contest, highlighted by a double from Lindsay Henson, while Lilia Byrd and Sydney Suttles each contributed productive at-bats to drive in runs. Despite the offensive effort, the Royals couldn't hold off the late push.

Addison Kluck took the loss in the circle, working the bulk of the game while striking out multiple hitters. Kooper Barnes added relief innings to help keep Queens within striking distance.

NOTABLES

• Queens recorded 10 hits in the game, out-hitting North Florida.
• The Royals erased a late deficit with a two-run seventh inning to force extras.
• Lindsay Henson led the offense with a multi-hit performance, including a double.
• Addison Kluck reached the 100-strikeout milestone for her career, marking an impressive achievement in her first season as a Royal.

UP NEXT
Queens heads back to Florida to face FGCU next weekend.

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.