BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – The Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs got back in the win column with a 2-0 shutout of the Presbyterian Blue Hose on Saturday evening.
Kylie Ameres scored what would be the game-winner in the 22nd minute, and the Big South's leading goal scorer, Stina Kleppe, added an insurance goal in the 77th minute when she converted her second penalty kick of 2019.
"Presbyterian is a very well coached team that is difficult to break down," said head coach Mike Varga. "They made it tough for us. Kylie scored a fantastic goal off a service from Alisha Holcombe (in the first half), and we worked hard for a goal in the second half. Maddie Turlington did a good job of being aggressive in the penalty area to create the foul and Stina converted the penalty kick. It was a good team win for us on the road against a quality opponent."
Gardner-Webb (5-9-1, ,4-2 Big South) kept the ball in its attacking third early and recorded four shots before Ameres put one in the back of the net. The senior's second career goal hit the crossbar and bounced in to the net.
Presbyterian (4-9-0, 3-3 Big South) attempted to equalize before the half and placed two shots on goal. Katelyn Kellogg, who earned her first start since September 12 at Navy, saved both shots en route to her first career shutout.
After the first 45 minutes, the Runnin' Bulldogs held a 1-0 advantage.
In the second period, Gardner-Webb doubled Presbyterian in shots, 6-3. The Blue Hose did not place any attempts on goal, while GWU put one on target.
In the 77th minute, Turlington drew a foul in the box that led to a Gardner-Webb penalty kick. Kleppe converted her second penalty kick of the season to give the 'Dogs an insurance goal in the hostile environment. She sent the ball into the upper 90 past a diving Megan Serrano who chose to dive left.
Over the final 13 minutes, the Runnin' Bulldogs' back line limited Presbyterian to two shots – one that landed high of the net and one that was wide of the cage.
Jaasiel Forde tried to push Gardner-Webb's lead to 3-0 with five minutes remaining but was unsuccessful as Serrano made the stop to keep it a 2-0 game in favor of the 'Dogs.
When the final horn sounded, Gardner-Webb earned a two-goal victory and picked up its fourth league win of the season.
The 'Dogs outshot the Blue Hose, 13-8, and put four shots on goal Presbyterian's three shots on target were all saved by Kellogg.
Gardner-Webb will return home for its next match, a Big South Conference battle with in-state rival UNC Asheville on Wednesday, October 16. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. and can be seen live on ESPN+.
