BUIES CREEK – Gardner-Webb rallied for three runs in the top of the seventh, but fell short in a 5-3 loss at Campbell in the rubber match of a three-game Big South softball series.
The Runnin' Bulldogs (14-31, 7-13 Big South) got a leadoff single in the seventh from Kaylee Wacaster, who was followed by another single from Rachel Cumiskey.
Callie Thornton slugged a two-run double, moved to third base on the throw – and scored on a wild pitch one batter later. Alia Booth walked two bring the tying run to the plate with nobody out, but reliever Amber Schisler got a line drive double play to severely dampen the rally.
Schisler then coaxed a ground ball to end the game.
The Fighting Camels went up with a three-run rally of their own in the fourth. Schisler led off with her 15th home run of the season, then Katie Baker drove a two-run single into right center for a 3-0 advantage.
Gardner-Webb went to the bullpen and Ashley Wark was able to work out of the jam without further damage – as Campbell had six hits in the inning.
Campbell went to work again in the fifth, with Schisler leading off that frame with a base on balls. After a walk, Madison Herring came through with a two-run double that pushed the hosts' lead to a comfortable 5-0 margin.
Gardner-Webb got a hit from Annamarie Warley and a walk from Maddi Johnson with two outs in the sixth, but stranded both runners. Campbell also stranded a pair in the sixth, allowing Gardner-Webb to mount its rally in the top half of the seventh before holding on.
Gardner-Webb had seven hits in the game, with Thornton (2-for-3, 2B, 2 RBI) leading the way. Wacaster (1-for-2, run), Cumiskey (1-for-4), Megan Champion (1-for-4), Warley (1-for-3) and Madi Lewis (1-for-3) also had base hits for GWU.
Summer Darnell (2-9) took the loss in the circle, allowing three runs on five hits in 3.2 innings pitched. Wark worked the final 2.1 innings, allowing two runs on five hits.
Campbell's Katie Baker (14-7) picked up the win, going 6.0 shutout frames with only four hits allowed. She overcame five walks and struck out five.
Schisler (2-for-3, HR, RBI) and Megan Mozingo (2-for-4) led the way at the plate, as the Fighting Camels rapped out 10 hits.
Gardner-Webb returns home for a non-conference twinbill, hosting Furman on Tuesday inside Brinkley Softball Stadium. First pitch for the opener is set for 4:00 pm.
