By Thomas Corhern, TTU Athletics Media Relations

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Tennessee Tech had a fast start Friday in its game against Queens of Charlotte, but its hopes for its first victory of the young season were dashed as the Royals scored twice in the bottom of the seventh to walk off with a 6-5 victory in the Red and Black Classic at Gardner-Webb.

The Golden Eagles (0-6) return to action Saturday morning as they have a return game against the Royals at 9 AM, then face tournament host Gardner-Webb at 2 PM.

Ella Grace Harvey had the big blow for Tech with three RBI on a home run in the third inning, giving the Golden Eagles a 5-1 lead, driving in Ashley Capelouto and Skylar Gooden on the blast.

Capelouto and Jailynn Paderez each went 2-for-3 in the game with Capelouto coming home to score twice. Capelouto doubled in Paderez in the first inning with a double to left, then Abbee Klinefelter had an RBI single to drive in Capelouto.

Queens answered in the bottom of the first with a double-steal, including a home swipe to make it 2-1. The Royals then collected an RBI double and a two-run home run in the fifth to make it a 5-4 game. A two-run home run in the bottom seventh ended the game with Queens on top.

Emily York went six complete frames before allowing the final two runs to take the loss. She was tagged for six earned runs on 12 hits with a walk and four strikeouts.

Earlier in the day, Tech took an 11-0 five-inning loss to Lehigh. The Golden Eales collected two hits as Skylar Sybesma and Julie Martin had the two safeties in the contest.

Lainey Fitzgerald took the loss, allowing six runs – five earned – on three hits with three walks and a strikeout in one inning of work. Addison Abell threw the next 2 1/3 innings, allowing five runs – three earned – on seven hits, while Hannah Lange had a scoreless two-thirds to close out the contest.

Tech was charged with three errors in the contest.

Photo | Thomas Corhern, TTU Athletics Media Relations