ROCK HILL, S.C. – Gardner-Webb dropped its second heartbreaker in as many Saturdays in women's lacrosse action, as Winthrop scored in overtime to take a 14-13 Big South win over the Runnin' Bulldogs.
Gardner-Webb (5-8, 0-3 Big South) dropped a one-goal decision last Saturday at Radford in the final 90 seconds. The Runnin' Bulldogs led this one by a 9-8 margin at halftime and tied the score with just over three minutes left in regulation.
Lauren Deaver scored off a rebound with 3:18 remaining to tie the score at 13-13, and Gardner-Webb had another chance one minute later after
Talen Francis won the draw and
Eilish Gately uncorked a shot with 2:16 to play. That attempt was saved, and the host Eagles cleared successfully and got off a pair of shots on the other end.
GWU was able to clear once more with less than a minute to play in regulation, and Francis got a shot off – high – with 36 seconds left. GWU maintained possession and was fouled, giving
Abby Hanscom a free position opportunity with less than 10 seconds on the clock.
Hanscom's last-second shot banged off the crossbar, however, sending the game to overtime.
Winthrop used a turnover on Gardner-Webb's half of the field in overtime to begin its winning possession. After a successful clear, Lauren Morris found the net off an assist from Mia Creighton with 3:36 on the clock to end the game.
Gardner-Webb out-shot Winthrop (5-8, 2-0 Big South) by a 36-35 margin, putting 26 on goal. GWU also had a 19-10 edge in draw controls and held nearly even across the board statistically.
Jada Preston and Francis led Gardner-Webb with three goals each, while Hanscom had two goals and a pair of assists. Deaver and Gately each had two goals and
Jessica Vetter scored once.
Em Dyment led the defense with three ground balls and two caused turnovers.
Morris was a force for Winthrop, scoring six of her teams 14 goals and dishing off two assists.
Gardner-Webb will attempt to get back on track Wednesday, April 10, as it hosts Longwood at 3:00 pm in Ernest W. Spangler Stadium.
