CHARLOTTE, N.C. (January 19, 2006) — Despite only a 1 point deficit going into the half, the Queens University of Charlotte Lady Royals were defeated by the Coker College Cobras 67-59.  The Royals fall to 1-6 in CVAC play and 3-11 overall, while the Cobras obtain only their second conference win (2-5 CVAC, 3-10 overall).

The Royals managed to keep the game within reach in the first half.  Sophomore center Ciera Brown provided a spark that catapulted the Royals within 1 point going in at the half.  Brown grabbed 8 of her 14 rebounds and snatched 2 steals that the Royals were able to convert into key buckets.

Despite their efforts, turnovers by the Royals allowed Coker to increase their lead.  Coker ended the game with 21 points off of turnovers while Queens had only 13. The Coker defense allowed Queens to capture 21 second chances points, but the Royals were unable to gain control of the game. 

Coker sealed their victory in the last minutes of the game making free throws as Queens was forced to put them on the line.

The Royals were led by sophomore Erinn Hayes who captured 9 rebounds and landed 14 points.  Junior guard Phylicia Tuner added 11 points and Shekema Etheredge contributed 9 points and grabbed 6 rebounds.  Ciera Brown ended the game with 14 rebounds and 5 points.

Leaders for Coker included Tara Nelson (17 points, 8 rebounds), India Elliott (13 points, 4 assists), and Rachel Kolbeck who added 11 points to the Coker victory. 

The Royals will be in action again on Saturday January 21, 2006 against cross-town rivals Belmont Abbey College.  The game will be played at Belmont Abbey College and will begin @ 5:30 pm. Coker’s next game is alos on Saturday, as they host Erskine College, tip-off is at 2 p.m.