LYNCHBURG, V.A – For the third match in a row, the Gardner-Webb women's soccer team took their opponent to double overtime. The Runnin' Bulldogs saw their 2017 campaign end this evening in the quarterfinals of the Big South conference tournament as they took on the second-seeded Flames of Liberty. The 'Dawgs conclude their season with a record of (4-12-3, 2-5-3 BSC) after tonight's 1-2 double overtime loss.
 
Gardner-Webb last met the Flames on September 23, which resulted in a 1-0 loss as Isabella Habuda's goal in the 49^th minute was the determining factor in the match.
 
"Tonight we went toe-to-toe with the two-time defending champion on their field and I am very proud of our effort. We started a bit slow and didn't play our best half to start the match," said head coach Mike Varga. "The second half was much better and we scored a well-deserved goal," he continued.
 
"Our Achilles heel this year has been giving up goals on corners this year and unfortunately it got us again tonight," stated Varga.
 
Liberty opened the scoring in the 24^th minute as Devon Jones found the back of the net on a header for her third goal of the season. Jordan Kestel earned the assist to give the Flames an early 1-0 lead.
 
Senior, Annie Ross evened the scoring at one each at the 58:26 mark as she collected a rebounded shot that hit the cross bar and pushed one past the Liberty goalkeeper for her second goal of the season, coming in back to back games. Second-Team All-Conference selection, Stina Kleppe was credited with the assist.
 
Knotted up at a score of 1-1 following regulation and the first overtime period, the 'Dawgs pushed the game into its second overtime period. In the waning seconds of the 103^rd minute, Sarah Erickson's header from eight yards out on the cross from Kayleigh Kardos led the Flames to victory. Erickson's header was her first goal of the season, and takes Liberty to the semifinals where they will face the winner of tonight's Longwood vs. Charleston Southern match.
 
Gardner-Webb recorded six shots with four on goal. Stina Kleppe recorded two shots in the match with one on goal. Callista Eckert, Annie Ross and Jessica Ferguson each tallied a shot on goal for the Runnin' Bulldogs.
 
Liberty outpaced Gardner-Webb as they took 15 shots, with eight on goal. Gabrielle Farrell recorded three shots on the evening with two on goal. Devon Jones, Isabella Hubuda and Abigail Persson each had two shots in the match. Seven different Flames recorded a shot on goal tonight.
 
Gardner-Webb took four corner kicks in the match while Liberty was awarded eight.
 
"This has been a very tough season. Our schedule was incredibly difficult from the start and this team kept at it all year. JP, Fergy and Annie played well in their final match tonight. They have represented the program in a first-class manner. They will be missed," said Varga.
 
The Runnin' Bulldogs goalkeeper, Keely Brown who recorded three shutouts in goal this season recorded six saves on the night. Flames goalkeeper, Melody Jayroe collected three saves between the posts tonight for Liberty.
 
"We have proven that Gardner-Webb soccer can compete with anyone in the Big South and we will walk away from this match extremely disappointed but with our heads held high," concluded Varga.