ELON, N.C. – Three Runnin' Bulldogs had double-digit kills as Gardner-Webb defeated North Carolina Central in four sets to open play at the 2018 Phoenix Classic, hosted by Elon.
 
Gardner-Webb (3-1) dropped the first set to NCCU (2-2) by a 25-18 score, but bounced back to take the following three sets by scores of 25-18, 25-14, and 26-24 to earn the victory.

"I am relieved that we scraped a win out of set four,' stated Gardner-Webb head coach Leo Sayles after the match.  "NCCU had all of the momentum down the stretch. and we struggled with our serving in sets one and four which kept us from getting in rhythm.  However, Kylee Garrison and Hannah Donaldson continue to impress.  Their consistent play this afternoon helped us in critical stretches, and Amanda Sahm's leadership sustained us." 

The Runnin' Bulldogs totaled 51 kills throughout the match on 169 attempts, attacking at a .166 rate.  N.C. Central had 34 kills on 146 swings for a .062 attack percentage.
 
Hannah Lancaster led the 'Dogs with a match-high 13 kills on 42 swings, followed by Kylee Garrison with 12 kills and Hannah Donaldson with 10 smashes.
 
Lancaster and Garrison each had double-doubles, as they racked up 16 and 14 digs respectively.  Amanda Sahm also had a double-double on the afternoon with a match-high 35 assists and 11 digs.
 
Charissa Coleman led GWU in digs with 17, while Donaldson led the team on the block with a pair of solo blocks and six block assists.
 
Leading the NCCU attack were Morgan Goodwin and Jessica Pilivi, who each had 10 kills, while Celene Morris led the Eagles with 21 assists and a match-high 27 digs.
 
Whtiney White was N.C. Central's leading blocker with one solo block and four block assists.
 
Gardner-Webb returns to action tomorrow morning at 10:00 am, facing Evansville as the 2018 Phoenix Classic continues.