BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Three first half goals led Gardner-Webb over Georgia Southern, 3-0, as Erin Shamleffer opened the scoring and Keely Brown moved into 10^th all-time on the Big South Conference career saves list.

"Up until today, we had not been able to score first, and a lot of times the first goal sets the tone for the match," said coach Mike Varga. "I challenged the team to start fast today. I'm very proud of the team effort. A lot of players saw action and played very well. Our mantra is that we get better every match. We have great senior leadership, and this team is a lot of fun to work with."

The 'Dogs scored early and often in the opening period with Shamleffer netting her first goal of the 2018 season just 3:05 into the action. The senior dribbled down the middle of the field and fired a shot well outside the box into the upper 90, giving GWU a 1-0 lead over the Eagles.

"Scoring early helped us and motivated us to get more goals over the course of the contest," said Shamleffer. Thankfully we found the back of the net early. We had a tremendous offensive attack and some great freshman who really contributed. It definitely felt good to score my first goal of the season."

After Georgia Southern took four shots of their own, freshman Jada Newton scored her third goal of the year in the 22nd minute. The ball was deflected off the left post towards Aubrie Jackson, who found Newton. Newton managed to poke one past the GSU keeper to extend the Runnin' Bulldogs' advantage to 2-0.

10 minutes later, a third different Runnin' Bulldog scored, with Ty Snell connecting. After a corner kick by Kayla Curatolo, Snell's first attempt was saved, but Maddie Turlington gained possession, finding Snell, who gave the 'Dogs a three-goal lead.

Gardner-Webb took its 3-0 lead into the intermission, and did not relinquish it in the second half.

Although the two teams combined for 13 shots over the final 45 minutes, neither team was able to convert.

Snell nearly scored her second goal of the contest in the 76^th minute, as she had two shots on goal. The first was deflected by GSU's Jocelyn Springer right back to Snell, who attempted again. Her second shot was grabbed cleanly by Springer, who sent the ball towards the GSU side of the field.

Brown helped preserve the shutout for the Runnin' Bulldogs by making three of her four saves in the second period. Brown, who now has 14 saves in four games moved into sole possession of 10^th all-time on the Big South Conference's career-saves list with 330.

Brown is three clean sheets of moving into a tie for 10^th on the career shutouts list.

"Every game I want to get a shutout and play to the best of my ability," said Brown. It's great to just get to play the game we love and play hard with girls who I've developed a relationship with over the years."

The 'Dogs held 15-12 advantage in shots over the Eagles and had five corners, compared to just two for the visitors.

Gardner-Webb will return to action next Friday, August 31 when it hosts Navy. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. from Greene-Harbison Stadium.