CHARLOTTE, N.C.- The Queens University of Charlotte Royals earned a hard-fought 22-16 victory over Southern Nazarene University on Saturday.

Once the match finally kicked off, the Royals came out aggressively, repeatedly finding themselves deep in SNU territory. However, several costly mistakes prevented Queens from turning those opportunities into points. The Royals' attack was stop-and-start throughout the first half, forcing the team to rely heavily on its defense, and the defense delivered.

Queens consistently came hard off the line and put pressure on SNU, forcing multiple mistakes and keeping the Crimson Storm from finding a rhythm. SNU matched the Royals' intensity defensively, making for a physical and closely contested opening 40 minutes.

The Royals finally broke through on the scoreboard when Agustin Mullany calmly slotted a penalty kick to give Queens a 3-0 lead heading into halftime.

The second half was a different story, as the Royals began to find their rhythm and the scoreboard started to open up.

Mullany struck again early in the second half, returning a clearance kick and making multiple defenders miss on his way to the try line. Mullany then converted the try to extend the Royals' lead to 10-3.

SNU responded with a try of its own, as their center broke through the Royals' defensive line and beat multiple defenders to bring the score to 10-8.

Queens settled down and responded with a powerful attacking sequence. The Royals worked their maul deep into SNU territory before being awarded a penalty try after the Crimson Storm struggled to stop the drive. The score moved to 17-8 in favor of Queens.

The Royals continued to apply pressure and scored again off another dominant maul with 12 minutes remaining, pushing the lead beyond reach.

SNU managed to add one more quick try following a penalty, but the Royals held on to secure the 22-16 victory.

Captain Keanin Kamp reflected on the physical battle and what the match means heading into conference play commenting, "SNU was a physical team that gave us the opportunity to test our physicality heading into conference games. This game also showed us the depth that the team has and how we are continually building towards something great."

With the win, the Royals now turn their attention to ARC play.

Queens will open league play against Kutztown University on Saturday, Sept. 19, with kickoff set for 12:00 p.m. The match will also serve as the Royals' annual White Out, and fans are encouraged to wear white and pack the stands as Queens begins its conference schedule.