BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Miljana Ristic's victory at No. 1 singles clinched the match for Gardner-Webb, and the Runnin' Bulldogs got back to .500 overall with a 4-3 win over in-state rival UNC Asheville on Thursday.

With the win, the 'Dogs are now 6-6 and 4-2 in Big South contests, while the Bulldogs of UNC Asheville fall to 6-7 and are just 1-5 in conference action.

"I'm proud of our effort today," said head coach Jim Corn. "UNC Asheville is a tough opponent, so it was great to get the win. We showed a lot of fight to battle back and win the match after dropping the doubles point."

Gardner-Webb began the match with a win in the No. 1 doubles position where Ristic and Daniela Naupari teamed up and defeated UNCA's Emily Sidor and Christin Louw, 6-1. The results at No. 2 and No. 3 did not go in favor of the Runnin' Bulldogs, as Gardner-Webb lost the doubles point.

Although the Runnin' Bulldogs trailed early, they won four of six singles matches to clinch the victory.

Adrienne Vesely was first off the court at No. 5 with a 6-3, 6-1 win over Madeline Finley and has now won six consecutive matches between the No. 5 and 6 positions.

Vesely's victory tied the match at one, and Naupari gave Gardner-Webb the lead with a 6-3, 6-2 win in the No. 2 position over UNCA's Lize Morkel.

UNC Asheville evened the match with a victory in the No. 4 flight but wins by Milica Panic (No. 6) and Ristic (No. 1) clinched the match for Gardner-Webb.

Ristic's three-set victory in the top flight officially gave the Runnin' Bulldogs the win. After dominating set one and winning 6-0, Ristic fell in set two, but rebounded for a 6-2 win in the third and final set.

With a 4-2 advantage, the 'Dogs lost the final match at No. 5 but still earned the win.

The Runnin' Bulldogs will return to action with a pair of non-conference matches beginning Saturday, March 30. The 'Dogs will travel to North Carolina Central on Saturday for a 12 p.m. first serve before hosting the Charlotte 49ers on Monday, April 1.