ATLANTA, Ga. – Gardner-Webb took the final two sets to rally from a 2-1 deficit, earning a 3-2 win over Jackson State in the 2018 season opener at the SWAC/MEAC Crossover Tournament in Atlanta, Ga.
 
Gardner-Webb (1-0) took the first set of the evening by a 25-16 score, but would drop the next two to Jackson State (1-1) by scores of 25-21 and 25-22.  The Runnin' Bulldogs fought back to take the final two sets by scores of 25-19 and 15-11.
 
 "I am very pleased with our overall effort tonight," stated GWU head coach Leo Sayles following the match.  "We opened well but JSU's tough serving rattled us in sets two and three.  As we settled down, we were able to establish our own temp, which helped us down the stretch.  Our freshmen were tremendous tonight in their first outing and our veterans did a great job helping us focus down the stretch.  Hopefully tonight's win will help us build a little early momentum and guide us closer to our goals for this season."
 
GWU had 55 total kills throughout the bout, hitting at a .209 clip, while Jackson State collected 50 kills at a .133 rate.
 
Kylee Garrison led the Runnin' Bulldogs with 13 kills on 28 swings, hitting at a team-nest .357 percentage.  She also added three block assists as well as a pair of digs.  Nichole Ford had 11 kills, followed by Molly Johnston with 10 to lead the team.
 
Amanda Sahm posted a double-double, tallying 28 assists and 15 digs.  Charissa Coleman had a team-high 19 digs and Makalia Vang had 12 digs on the night.  Madi Riggs added 20 assists throughout the evening.
 
Hannah Donaldson led the team on the block, collecting two solo blocks and eight block assists.
 
Tielar Richards led the Tigers on the attack with 15 kills, while Tyler Moorer had a match-high 22 digs.  Kinley Carter led the team in assists with 22, while Alexandria Burney led JSU in blocks with one solo block and four block assists.
 
Gardner-Webb returns to action tomorrow afternoon as the SWAC/MEAC Crossover Tournament continues, taking on Alabama State at 1:00 pm before wrapping up action at 6:00 pm against Alabama A&M.