RADFORD, Va. – Despite a solo home run from Katie Prebble in the third, the Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs fell to No. 1 seed Liberty, 8-2 in Friday's first game at the Big South Conference tournament.

Gardner-Webb (29-28, 1-1 BSC Tournament) got on the board first, using three base hits to score a run in the top of the opening inning.

Singles by Andria Booth, Katie Prebble and Kaylee Wacaster loaded the bases, and Rachel Cumiskey was hit by a pitch, sending Booth home. After the top of the first, Gardner-Webb led, 1-0.

Liberty (45-12, 1-0 BSC Tournament) quickly evened the score as leadoff batter Autumn Bishop hit a solo shot to straightaway center field. The home run was the only run the Flames were able to get in the inning and after one complete inning, the contest was tied at one.

Both teams were held scoreless in the second inning, but Prebble broke the tie in the top of the third with a solo home run, her 23^rd of year. Prebble's shot to left center field put Gardner-Webb back in front, 2-1.

The lead would change hands again the bottom of the fourth. Liberty loaded the bases with nobody out as Ashley Wark entered the circle in relief.

The Flames managed seven runs on seven hits and an error by the Gardner-Webb defense in the inning, take an 8-2 lead after four complete innings.

Neither team scored over the next two innings, with both teams lining into double plays in the fifth.

In the top of the final inning, Annamarie Warley led off with a double to center field. Booth got an infield single, giving GWU runners on the corners with one out. Prebble was hit by a pitch, but Liberty worked its way out of the bases loaded jam, and the 'Dogs fell, 8-2.

Julia Dimartino started the game for Liberty but was removed after just 1.1 innings of work. She later returned in with one out in the seventh. Elizabeth Engler (8-2) worked five innings en route to her eighth win of the season.

For Gardner-Webb, Sam Harrell (4-7) received the loss. Harrell threw three innings and gave up four runs (three earned) on four hits and four walks.

At the plate, Prebble (2-for-3, RBI), Booth (2-for-4) and Cumiskey (1-for-2 RBI) led the Runnin' Bulldogs. Warley, Stettler K. Wacaster and Maddi Johnson also recorded hits.

Gardner-Webb will play an elimination game against No. 4 Campbell University today at 5 p.m. EST. The Runnin' Bulldogs defeated the Fighting Camels yesterday, 11-5, thanks to a seven-run seventh inning.