CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Interstat) — The Queens (N.C.) Royals opened their season with a 58-47 victory over the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs in a defensive struggle at Levine Center on Monday night.

In a game defined by frigid shooting and frequent turnovers, the Royals used an 18-5 first-quarter burst to establish a lead they would not relinquish. Queens never trailed, stifling the Gardner-Webb offense from the opening tip.

Brenae Jones-Grant was the standout performer for the Royals, recording a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds. She also added four blocked shots and two steals, anchoring the Queens defense. Hannah Hicks controlled the glass with a game-high 13 rebounds to go with eight points.

The Runnin’ Bulldogs struggled immensely on offense, shooting just 26.8% from the floor. They finished 15 for 56 on field goals and 4 for 18 from three-point range. Gardner-Webb’s offensive woes were encapsulated by an offensive rating of 64.0, scoring just 47 points across 73 possessions.

Queens was only marginally more efficient, shooting 38.9% overall and 5 for 29 from beyond the arc, but their 17 offensive rebounds created crucial second-chance opportunities. The Royals also capitalized on Gardner-Webb’s mistakes, scoring 19 points off 16 Bulldogs turnovers. Queens committed 23 turnovers of their own, but Gardner-Webb could only convert them into 15 points.

After the dominant first quarter, the Royals took a 32-17 lead into halftime. Gardner-Webb found a rhythm in the third quarter, outscoring Queens 18-16, but could not cut the deficit to single digits. The Bulldogs’ effort was led by Jaelyn Acker and Makayla Legette, who scored eight and seven points, respectively.

Dayuna Colvin filled the stat sheet for Queens with seven points, eight rebounds, and four assists, while Jermany Mapp contributed eight points and four assists.

With the win, Queens begins its season 1-0. Gardner-Webb starts 0-1 and will look to rebound on the road at West Georgia on Saturday. Queens’ next contest is at home against Mars Hill on Thursday. The announced attendance for the season opener was 326.