CONWAY, S.C. – Freshman Eilish Gately scored a career-best three goals, but Gardner-Webb dropped an 18-8 decision at Coastal Carolina Saturday in women's lacrosse action.

The Runnin' Bulldogs (2-8) fell behind 2-0 in the game's first three minutes and trailed 5-0 after a goal by the Chanticleers' Sophie Crowther with 18:22 to play before halftime.

Gardner-Webb got on the board after that, with Talen Francis scoring her 21st goal of the season off an assist from Colleen Conn at the 15:49 mark. Francis scored again with 10:05 to play to cut the Coastal Carolina lead to 6-2, but the hosts ran off three more goals and led 9-3 at halftime.

Amanda Steinmuller scored with 2:38 to play before the break to stall Coastal's momentum, but the Chanticleers scored the first four goals out of intermission to go up 13-3 with 26:16 to go.

Goals from Abby Hanscom (19:21) and Gately (17:31) cut into the Chanticleers' lead once again, but it was not enough – as Coastal Carolina scored twice in a row to regain momentum. Gately scored back-to-back goals with just under 10 minutes to play and Steinmuller found the back of the net with 2:20 left for the final score of the day for Gardner-Webb.

Coastal Carolina held a dominant shooting advantage (37-15) and was on top 18-9 in draw controls by the day's end. 

In addition to Gately, Gardner-Webb got two goals each from Steinmuller and Francis. Steinmuller added a team-high two assists and Francis had one. Defender Monique Martin had three ground balls and caused four turnovers in the game. Hanscom added one goal and an assist.

Coastal Carolina got four goals from Crowther and three each from Kyger and Alexander.

Gardner-Webb will return home for its next game, opening Big South Conference play on Saturday, March 31, against Campbell. First draw in Spangler Stadium is set for 12:00 noon.