Queens, Kentucky Take Much out of Clash in Tennessee
Queens, Kentucky Take Much out of Clash in Tennessee
In an interesting cross-divisional matchup this weekend, Queens University Charlotte defeated two-time defending NCR D1AA champs Kentucky 47-13.
Queens ran out another XV to play Tennessee, another strong D1AA team, and won that match 63-0. Tennessee hosted both matches in Knoxville.
Kentucky opened the scoring against the Royals with a penalty goal. But Queens responded with tries from wing Landon Starnes and captain and flanker Roan Shawver for a 12-3 lead. The Wildcats answered nicely and at 12-10 this was a tight game.
However, Queens punished Kentucky penalties with Shawver scoring his second try from a maul. And then freshman Chase Desiata, prop Keanin Kamp, hooker CJ Thompson, and reserve Jack Rice to seal pull away. Hilton Olivier converted six of seven on the day.
"I'm pleased with the outcome, but there's still plenty of room for improvement," said Head Coach Tyree Reed. "This was a good test for us, and we look forward to another big challenge next weekend at Navy."
Kentucky had trouble containing the Queens maul, and as a result, penalties hurt them badly. In phase play the Wildcats hung tough, finding some inroads on attack and defending relatively well. But maul defense was a definite work-on.
"It shows us where we are," said Kentucky Head Coach Sam Enari. "We can compete with the best in the country but we will need a little more time to develop."
To be fair, Kentucky were without a couple of key cogs and leaders, but they got some good performances from their young players and sophomore Ryan Paul stepped in a flyhalf and showed well.
This game, coming after a one-point loss to another school-supported team in Marian (who beat Davenport this week), was tough to take for Kentucky.
"We are not accustomed to losing, especially two weeks in a row, but this is motivation and we needed these tests early on," said Enari, who added he wants to play Queens again next year.
For Queens, this was a new era with Reed as the Head Coach, and they will be looking ahead to a tough ARC conference season. Next up for them is a non-conference game at Navy.