CHARLOTTE, N.C. (February 28, 2007) —Nationally ranked Queens University of Charlotte (#9) faced off on Tuesday against the Lakers of Mercyhurst (#2) in an early season match of two possible NCAA Division II playoff teams.

The Royals struck first 1:15 in when Randy Jones fed Josh Bryce for a goal. The Lakers answered right back one minute later. Queens wasted no time in answering as Alex Tack scored unassisted just 38 seconds later then Mercyhurst scored just six seconds later to tie it up again.

The Lakers showed why they are second in the nation and added four more goals to take the lead 6-2. In the second quarter, Queens refused to fold as Tack scored again off an assist by Brad Stalker. The Royals added two more goals to Mercyhurst's one to go into the half down 8-5.

In the third quarter, both teams came out swinging and with time running down it looked like the Royals would pull within one as they were down 9-7 and had the ball after a Mercyhurst goal. Instead the Lakers All-american defenseman Joe Thon came in and stole the pass and took it down field for an assist as the Lakers scored man down to go ahead 10-7 as the quarter ended. That proved to be the momentum killer for the Royals who were never able to make a serious threat again.

Mercyhurst continued to posses the ball and take advantage of some Royals mistakes and penalties, as well as Queens attempt to pressure the ball, which allowed Mercyhurst to add to their lead. Tack was able to add one more for his third goal of the game, but Mercyhurst prevailed 15-8. One big bright spot for the Royals besides Tack's play was DJ Crump at Faceoff who won 17-of 24.

"I was real proud of our team," said fourth year Head Coach Jim Fritz. "There is a reason they are second in the nation and being talked about as challenging for the national championship. We are a fourth year team and for us to be that close going into the last quarter shows how much we have improved. I think if we can continue to improve, we will be very good by the end of they year."

The Royals return to action on the road Saturday against CVAC rival Limestone College.

2007-02-28