DAVIDSON, N.C. – Maddie Turlington scored Gardner-Webb's first goal of the season and Stina Kleppe added a second-half goal, but three early goals helped the Davidson Wildcats defeat the Runnin' Bulldogs, 3-2.

It was a high-scoring affair through the first 11 minutes with the two teams combining for three goals.

The Wildcats (1-0-0) got on the board first despite Gardner-Webb having the first two attempts. In the sixth minute, Davidson's Sabine Chandler gained possession of the ball and sent one into the near side of the net to put the Wildcats on the board.

Four minutes later, GWU sophomore Maddie Turlington netted the equalizer for the 'Dogs. Turlington took a pass from Stina Kleppe, the 2019 Big South Preseason Attacking Player of the Year, and sent her attempt into the far side of the net to even the score at one.

Garnder-Webb's (0-1-0) lead lasted just 67 seconds as Davidson's Sophia Carouso scored following a blocked free kick. The Wildcats extended their lead to 3-1 in the 20^th minute when Kendall Bushick scored off a cross from Chandler.

Shortly before the 30-minute mark, Davidson recorded three shots on goal, but all three were stopped by Katelyn Kellogg. Gardner-Webb's final attempt of the first half came in the 33^rd minute, while Kellogg made her sixth save of the night just 10 minutes prior to the intermission. After 45 minutes, Davidson held a 3-1 lead.

Kleppe took the Runnin' Bulldogs' first three shots of the second half, the last of which found the back of the net. In the 69^th minute, she attempted a free kick and sent it through the Wildcats' wall and into the bottom left corner of the net to pull Gardner-Webb within a goal, 3-2.

Three minutes later, her fourth shot of the half was saved. Aubrie Jackson and Gabby Berkes had chances to net the equalizer in the 74^th minute, but Jackson's shot was blocked, while Berkes' attempt off a corner kick was high.

In the 87^th minute, junior Anna Fish fired a strike that was barely wide of the net, and Davidson maintained its 3-2 advantage. Gardner-Webb's last attempt came with just 10 seconds left when Turlington drew a foul. Kleppe attempted the free kick, which looked on target but narrowly missed the net as the Wildcats held on for the 3-2 win.

"It was a tale of two halves tonight," said head coach Mike Varga. "We dug quite a hole after a disappointing first half. We made multiple errors that led to chances and ultimately goals for Davidson. The second half was much better; I liked our response. We started connecting and created chances. We changed the momentum of the match and had some very good opportunities to equalize. We gained experience tonight that will make us better."

Gardner-Webb outshot Davidson, 19-18, but placed only four attempts on goal compared to nine by the Wildcats. Kleppe and Vilma Rydell accounted for 10 of GWU's 18 attempts. Kellogg earned the start in goal for the 'Dogs and played the first 45 minutes. The sophomore keeper made six stops. Freshman Paula Suarez Is spent the second half in goal and did not face a shot.

The Runnin' Bulldogs will return to action on Sunday, August 25 at 7 p.m. when they travel to Western Carolina.