RADFORD, Va. – Radford's Emma Rogers scored the game winner with 1:26 left in regulation and Gardner-Webb dropped a 16-15 heartbreaker on the road to open Big South Conference play Saturday.

The Runnin' Bulldogs (5-6, 0-1 Big South) wasted little time breaking out to an early lead, scoring the first three goals of the day in just five minutes. After Radford (2-7, 1-0 Big South) answered, Jada Preston scored her first goal of the day to put GWU up 4-1 with 22:27 left in the first half.

Radford tied the game with a burst over the next four minutes, but Talen Francis scored her second of the day off a free position for a 5-4 edge. The two teams would trade goals throughout the half – until Gardner-Webb got three-straight scores from Preston, Francis and Lauren Deaver to go up 9-7 at the half.

Radford knotted the score quickly in the second half, getting goals from Jennifer Shield and Callie Bonnel to pull even, 9-9, with 27:35 to play.

Each time the Highlanders pulled in front, Gardner-Webb had an answer, tying the game, 13-13, on back-to-back goals from Preston and Jessica Vetter with 5:58 to go.

Eilish Gately scored an equalizer with 3:58 to play to make the score 14-14, and Abby Hanscom continued her strong senior campaign with a goal – off an assist from Francis – to give Gardner-Webb a 15-14 lead with 3:20 to play.

Radford had an answer, however, getting a tying goal with 2:14 left from Rogers and – after a foul call and free position – the game winner from Rogers.

Radford held a narrow 38-32 shooting advantage on the day, with Gardner-Webb goalie Katie Sylvester turning away 18 shots. The Highlanders controlled the ground balls stat (37-23) and took advantage of 23 Gardner-Webb turnovers on the day.

The Runnin' Bulldogs did take advantage of extra man opportunities, scoring three times – including twice in the second half.

Preston led the way, scoring four goals to go with two assists. Francis added three goals and a pair of helpers, while Gately, Deaver and Hanscom each scored twice. Gately also had two assists.

Radford got four goals, including the game winner, from Rogers – who also had a pair of assists. Carroll also supplied four goals and the Highlanders got two goals apiece from Adrian Rius and Bonnel.

Gardner-Webb will return home on Wednesday, April 3, hosting nationally-ranked High Point at 4:00 pm in Ernest W. Spangler Stadium. The game will stream live on ESPN+.