LYNCHBURG, Va. – After more than a week off, the Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs returned to action in Lynchburg, Virginia, but fell to the Liberty Flames, 6-3, in Big South Conference play.

The top of the first inning saw Gardner-Webb (20-15, 4-3 Big South Conference) push the first of its three runs across the plate.

Andria Booth led off the contest with an infield hit and made her way to second on a groundout. Kaylee Wacaster's RBI double scored Booth and gave the 'Dogs a 1-0 lead after just half of an inning.

Ashley Wark gave up only one hit in the bottom of the first, but Gardner-Webb went down in order in the top of the next inning.

Liberty (27-8, 7-0 BSC) would take a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the second. The Flames loaded the bases via back-to-back singles and a walk, and used an RBI single to tie the contest. A sacrifice fly plated Liberty's second run, but Wark forced Amber Bishop to groundout and end the inning.

In the top of the third, Katie Prebble hit her 17^th home run of the season. Her two-run blast to center field put Gardner-Webb back in front, 3-2.

Wark did not allow any Flame runners to score over the third, fourth and fifth innings. Despite letting runners into scoring position in the third and fourth, Wark was able to get out of the each inning via a groundout and lineout respectively.

In the bottom of the fifth, Wark surrendered only a two-out single and ended the inning with a strikeout.

The Runnin' Bulldogs went down in order in the top of the sixth, and Liberty's bats came alive in the bottom of the frame.

The Flames first four batters all hit singles, which led to a pair of runs, giving Liberty a 4-3 lead. The Flames extended their lead to 6-3 on a two-RBI triple, but Wark worked her way out of the inning and limited the damage.

With Gardner-Webb down to its final three outs, Booth and Katie Stettler both singled to start the top of the seventh inning, giving the Runnin' Bulldogs two runners on and nobody out.  

The 'Dogs were unable to manage any more hits as a pop out and two fly outs ended the contest in favor of Liberty, 6-3.

Julia DiMartino (16-5) earned the win for the Flames, pitching a complete game and giving up three earned runs on seven hits. Wark (12-9) took the loss for GWU, giving up six earned runs. She struck out three and walked one.

At the plate, Booth (3-for-4) and K. Wacaster (2-for-4, 2B, RBI) accounted for five of the Runnin' Bulldogs' seven hits.

The final two games of the Big South Conference series will take place tomorrow, Saturday, March 31. Game one is set to begin at 1 p.m. in Lynchburg, Va.