GREENSBORO, N.C. – Jada Newton scored her first collegiate goal off a pass from Stina Kleppe in the 54^th minute, tying the contest at one goal apiece, but UNCG scored the game-winner less than three minutes later to defeat Gardner-Webb, 2-1.

"UNCG is a well-coached, athletic team that was quite a test for us to open with," said head coach Mike Varga. "The atmosphere was great for a season opener. I know we will have the same support on Sunday for our home opener against Alabama State, another NCAA tournament team from last season."

The two teams took turns controlling the tempo early in the first period with each squad recording a shot in the first four minutes. Jana Braun's attempt for the Runnin' Bulldogs was high, while the Spartans had a shot on goal in the fourth minute, which was saved by Keely Brown.

After shots in the 11^th and 15^th minutes respectively, Gardner-Webb would go nearly 25 minutes without another attempt, until Maddie Turlington and Kleppe both took shots less than a minute apart in the 40^th minute.

UNCG held a 7-5 advantage in shots in the opening period and a 2-1 advantage in shots on goal.

The Spartans quickly pulled in front of the Runnin' Bulldogs after the intermission as Isabelle Blomdahl scored from the middle of the box to give the home team a 1-0 lead two minutes into the second half.

UNCG would not remain in front for long as less than 10 minutes later Newton's shot found the back of the net for her first collegiate goal. The freshman received a cross in the box from Kleppe and was able to chip the shot past the Spartans' keeper for the equalizer.

Once again, the score would quickly change, as UNCG took the lead for good in the 57^th minute. Kaley Tucker put the Spartans ahead, 2-1, stealing a pass made by Brown and scoring from just outside the box.

Gardner-Webb managed three shots in the final 35 minutes, including one on goal by Newton with just 24 seconds remaining, but the 'Dogs were unable to find the second equalizer.

The loss drops the 'Dogs to 0-1-0 on the young season, while the Spartans pick up their first victory of 2018.

"We made some early season mistakes, and they capitalized," added Varga. "I was proud of our grit to equalize, and we fought to the end but couldn't find the second equalizer. It's always disappointing to lose, but the girls need to keep their heads high. Our effort was good; we executed in bits and results will start to go our way when we play like this."

UNCG outshot Gardner-Webb 16-7 overall and 7-3 in shots on goal. Newton took a team-high three attempts for the Runnin' Bulldogs, while Brittany DeLoach took two shots.

Brown made five saves in goal for the visitors from Boiling Springs. UNCG's Anyaiah Tyler-Cooper was credited with two saves in 90 minutes.

The Runnin' Bulldogs will return to action when they host the Alabama State Hornets on Sunday, August 19 at 1 p.m. for their home opener.