BOILING SPRINGS – Cincinnati used a 5-0 run in the second half to pull away and went on a 20-9 win over an improved Gardner-Webb squad Friday in Ernest W. Spangler Stadium.

The Bearcats (1-1) led 11-4 at halftime after a surge midway through the first period, but Gardner-Webb (1-1) didn't quit – getting as close as 14-8 on back-to-back goals from Talen Francis (20:52) and Abby Hanscom (19:58) to force a Cincinnati timeout.

The visitors went on a 5-0 run from there, using a pair of goals from Alyssa Adams to spark the rally. Sam Mlkvy, Taylor Gysin and Amanda Donovan also had goals in the run to create some space for Cincinnati.

Gardner-Webb cut the lead to 19-9 on another goal from Francis with 3:29 left, but the Bearcats capped the scoring with a goal from Julia Byrne with 1:06 to play in the game.

Hanscom led Gardner-Webb with four goals and an assist on four shots and Francis had her second hat trick in as many games with three goals on three shot attempts. The freshman from Kennesaw, Ga., added four draw controls and two ground balls.

Hailey Maranto and Eilish Gately also scored goals for Gardner-Webb, with Maranto scoring the first goal of her career in Boiling Springs. Amanda Steinmuller (two assists) and Catherine Fox (assist) also made plays on the offensive end.

Freshman Maddie Martin led the way with three ground balls and had four draw controls to go with two caused turnovers. Goalie Katie Sylvester posted 18 saves in the face of a busy day – as the Bearcats put 38 shots on goal.

Monica Borzillo led Cincinnati with five goals and two assists, as the Bearcats used a 42-22 shooting edge to keep the pressure on much of the day. Draw controls were nearly even, with Cincinnati owning a 17-14 edge – but the Bearcats were crisp on clears (15-of-16) and efficient on free position chances.

Cincinnati also forced 18 Gardner-Webb turnovers, leading to several opportunities in transition.

Mlkvy finished with three goals for the Bearcats and Kate Carney dished off five assists to help facilitate the offense.

Gardner-Webb will be back in action on Sunday, hosting East Carolina at Noon in Ernest W. Spangler Stadium.