BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Gardner-Webb fell to visiting USC Upstate in four sets in Big South Conference volleyball action inside Paul Porter Arena on Friday night.
 
Gardner-Webb (7-17, 1-10 Big South) dropped the opening set to USC Upstate (11-15, 6-5 Big South) by a tight 26-24 score, and would tie the match by taking the second set 25-21.  The Spartans would fire on all cylinders in the next two sets, winning both by scores of 25-16 and 25-15 to take the overall decision.
 
 The Runnin' Bulldogs collected 41 kills on 127 attempts for a .126 hitting percentage, while the Spartans tallied 58 kills on 129 swings, attacking at a .256 clip.
 
Kylee Garrison paced the GWU attack with 14 kills on 30 swings.  Amanda Sahm had a team-best 20 assists.
 
The 'Dogs were led in digs by Charissa Coleman with 15, while Alexandra Roycraft had a team-best four blocks.
 
USC Upstate had three attackers with double-digit kills, led by Emily Russell with 19 smashes on 40 swings.  Gloria Ikenegbu had 14 kills, followed by Lily Dempsey with 11.  Madison Haake provided a match-best 47 assists.
 
Payton Duncan led the Spartans in digs with 15, while Ikenegbu lad a match-high six total blocks.
 
Gardner-Webb returns to action tomorrow afternoon, hosting UNC Asheville at 4:00 pm.  Live coverage will be provided by ESPN+.