CHARLOTTE – The UNCP softball team suffered an 8-0 shutout loss to host and region opponent Queens in five innings in the first game of the doubleheader as the Royals posted four runs on five hits in the fifth inning at Park Road Park.

UNCP (14-26) snagged four hits with two from senior Kristen Hobbs and one apiece from Karlee Wilson and Kellie Van Dyke. Queens (21-22) notched 13 hits and eight RBI as eight runs crossed home plate. Whitney Britt led the Royals with three hits, while Noemi Rodriguez registered a trio of RBI on two hits. 

Senior Jamie Burwell (4-5) started the first 1-2/3 innings and gave up three hits that resulted in two earned runs before Natalie Klemann finished the final three innings as she allowed 10 hits and six earned runs. Burwell and Klemann combined for four walks and four strikeouts. Chantel Dodge (17-9) captured the shutout victory after pitching a complete game for the Royals. 

UNCP opened the first inning with three retired batters before Queens quickly brought two runs around the bases as Dodge reached base after walking. Britt doubled to center field sending dodge to third until Rodriguez doubled to center field to score the game winning run and put the Royals up 2-0.

In the second inning, Hobbs posted her first single along the left field line and Wilson singled to the shortstop but struggled to score. Queens collected two additional runs in the second to put the squad ahead by four.

Finally, Queens began the fifth inning with four-straight singles and wrapped up the game with eighth run as Rodriguez sent the final run home on a single along the left field line to end the game.