GWU to Host Winthrop, High Point in First Big South Matches of 2013 Season
September 23, 2013 | Women's Soccer
Boiling Springs, N.C. - Gardner-Webb women's soccer opens Big South play this week as the Runnin' Bulldogs host Winthrop on Wednesday, September 25 in both squads' Conference opener prior to facing High Point at Greene-Harbison Field on Saturday, September 28.
GWU (2-5-1) concluded its eight match non-conference slate on Friday, September 20, dropping a 3-1 contest on the road against Troy. Junior Amy Schmitt (Waxhaw, N.C.) tallied a career high 15 saves in that match, and freshman Brandi Arey (Huntersville, N.C.) scored her first career goal to give the Runnin' Bulldogs a boost as the team enters Big South play this coming week.
The Runnin' Bulldogs get a strong test right off the bat, facing a Lady Eagles team that has bolted to a 4-1-1 record trough six matches this season. GWU's defense will face a strong challenge against a Winthrop squad that is scoring more than three goals per contest.
A much-improved Gardner-Webb offense, led by sophomore Shelby Hooe's five goals and three assists, will be a key to the matchup in each school's Conference opener.
On Saturday, the Runnin' Bulldogs face another challenge in a High Point squad that is currently riding a two match winning streak, both emotional double overtime home victories. The Panthers (2-5) are led offensively by Kelli Joline (2 G, 7 SOG), Kelsey Perrell (2 G, 3 SOG), and Becca Hemby (2 A, 5 SOG).
GWU's defense, including Addison Abee (Charlotte, N.C.), Haley Ahrenholtz (Laremie, Wyo.), and Brooke Kelly (Lawrenceville, Ga.), who have each started eight matches, will also play an important role Saturday night, as will a diverse offense that has seen eight different Runnin' Bulldogs register at least one goal or one assist this season. GWU's unified offensive effort has been apparent early in the season, as each of the squad's nine goals scored thus far have been by assist.
Gardner-Webb's Big South opener against Winthrop is scheduled for a 7:00 p.m. start time, as is the Runnin' Bulldogs' Saturday tilt versus High Point.
