BOILING SPRINGS – Longwood closed the game on a 4-0 run, scoring the game winner with 2:36 left in regulation for a 13-12 win over Gardner-Webb Wednesday.

It was the third loss in Big South play by a single goal for Gardner-Webb (5-9, 0-4) and its second heartbreaker in a row.

The Runnin' Bulldogs seized control early on, using a 6-0 run in the first half to open up a comfortable 10-3 lead on Jada Preston's goal with 4:23 left before halftime. Lauren Deaver and Preston each scored twice in the rally.

Longwood (5-8, 2-1 Big South) answered, scoring two late goals before the break to trail 10-5 by intermission.

Gardner-Webb surged in front 11-5 on Eilish Gately's goal off a feed from Preston with 26:38 to play in the game, but Longwood answered with four-straight goals to pull within 11-9 and tighten the game up considerably.

GWU got a turnover and transition goal from Talen Francis off an assist from Abby Hanscom to go up 12-9 with 13:08 to play, but the Lancers would go on their game deciding run from there. Gardner-Webb managed just two more shots in the final 10 minutes of action.

The Runnin' Bulldogs had a sizable 23-10 shooting edge in the first half, but Longwood responded with 14 shots in the final 30 minutes. The Lancers were also 13-of-14 on clears – including 10-of-10 in the second half – and saved 13 shots.

Gardner-Webb was paced by Francis, who scored three goals and dished off an assist. Preston (two goals, assist), Hanscom (two goals, assist) and Deaver (two goals) also had strong games.

Longwood got a game-high five goals and an assist from Kaitlin Luccarelli. Dana Joss added two goals and assisted on the game winner to Taylor Blenckstone with 2:36 to play. Blenckstone also had two goals and assist for the Lancers.

Gardner-Webb will hit the road for its next Big South test, traveling to play at Campbell on Saturday afternoon. First draw is set for Noon in Buies Creek, N.C.