HIGH POINT, N.C. – The Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs were able to equalize on two separate occasions in the Big South semifinals on Wednesday night, but High Point scored in the 75^th minute to earn the 3-2 victory and spot in the Big South championship on Sunday afternoon.

"I thought we did a nice job refusing to quit when High Point pulled ahead," said head coach Tony Setzer. "We had some opportunities after High Point went up 3-2 but just couldn't put one in the net. It's always tough to see a season end, but we will keep working hard and taking steps forward."

No. 2 seed High Point (13-6-0) scored first with Ilias Kosmidis scoring off a pass from Josh Baker in the 12^th minute, but the Panthers lead lasted less than 20 minutes.

Gardner-Webb (9-8-2), the No. 3 seed, equalized in the 28^th minute. Oskar Wang sent a ball to Pedro Benito from inside the six, and Benito fired a strike towards High Point's Keegan Meyer. The ball deflected off Meyer and was collected by Abel Gebrekiros. Gebrekiros scored his third goal of the year from point blank range to tie the match at one.

The Runnin' Bulldogs' lead lasted just 57 seconds as Kosmidis put the Panthers in front with a goal in the 28^th minute.

Despite six attempts after the Panthers re-took the lead, including attempts on goal by Benito and Kharrel Medza, the 'Dogs trailed at the half, 1-0.

Gebrekiros entered the semifinal match with two goals to his credit, and by the 47^th minute had doubled that total. He equalized for the second time in the match just 1:55 into the second half, tying the contest at two.

Gardner-Webb controlled the possession after Gebrekiros equalized with Benito (52^nd minute), Hendrik Kortgoode (57^th minute) and Gebrekiros (59^th) all forcing Meyer to make saves in the net and keep the match tied.

After the Panthers regained possession, they forced Daniel Husa to make three saves in the net in a 14:04 span. The sophomore collected all three of the Panthers' shots on goal, but with 15:12 remaining, Alex Abril scored what would be the eventual game-winner.

With the Runnin' Bulldogs behind a goal, it was Benito that had the best looks at the equalizer. He put a shot on the net in the 81^st minute, and was called offsides on what would have been the game-tying with five minutes remaining.

As the clocked ticked under five minutes, the Panthers began to play with three defensive midfielders in an attempt to limit Gardner-Webb's opportunities. High Point's strategy worked, as the 'Dogs did not get another shot off and fell, 3-2.
Gardner-Webb outshout High Point in the loss, 18-17 in total attempts and 9-8 in shots on goal. The Panthers held a 6-3 advantage in corners taken.

In goal, Meyer made seven saves for the home team, and Husa stopped five shots for the Runnin' Bulldogs.

The loss eliminates the Runnin' Bulldogs from the Big South tournament, while High Point advances to Sunday's championship match. The 'Dogs finish the 2019 season one win shy of double digits with a 9-8-2 overall record, and the Panthers improve to 13-6-0. High Point will face top-seeded Campbell in Sunday's finale where a bid to the NCAA tournament is on the line.