LAKE WALES, Fla. - Warner opened strong but it was the Mariners that outlasted the Royals 61-53.
The Royals got off to a hot start with a 21-16 lead following the first quarter. The Mariners climbed their way back in the second quarter more than doubling the Royals 8 points with 17. The Mariners then held the Royals at bay in the second half to secure the 61-53 win.
Haley Gantt scored a team high 11 points while bringing down 8 boards. Dianis Hurtado and Shelby Gard each score 9 points on the night. D'Asia James was held to 8 points and matched with 8 rebounds.
In the young history of the two teams, the Royals stand 1-8 all-time and are on the unfortunate end of an eight game slide to the Mariners.
Next up the Royals welcome the Bobcats of St. Thomas (Fla.) on Saturday.