KENNESAW, Ga. – Gardner-Webb dropped a 17-8 road decision at Kennesaw State Saturday afternoon in the Peach State.

Kennesaw State outscored the Runnin' Bulldogs (2-3) 7-1 over the final 25 minutes to pull away. Gardner-Webb trailed just 8-5 at halftime after a late goal from Jada Preston, but the Owls surged further ahead in the early moments of the second half.

Goals for the home team by Siena Gore and Anna Giulitto pushed the lead to 10-5 with 27:11 remaining, before Hannah Smith countered for the 'Dogs. Smith's goal at the 26:19 mark was followed quickly by an unassisted tally for Hannah Mitchell with 25:11 to play – trimming the Owls' lead back to three.

Kennesaw settled in from there, going on a 4-0 run over a near 10-minute stretch. Another goal from Smith with 10:18 to play halted the rally, but the Owls finished the game with three goals in the final 7:30 for the final margin.

Gardner-Webb held a 15-11 shooting advantage in the second half, but saw the Owls win that category by a 33-27 margin. Kennesaw also owned an 18-9 edge on draw controls, maintaining possession at key moments.

Gardner-Webb did win the ground ball battle and forced more than 20 Kennesaw turnovers.

In addition to Smith's two goals, Gardner-Webb got single goals from Talen Francis, Preston, Eilish Gately, Jessica Vetter, Mitchell and Hailey Maranto.

Goalie Katie Sylvester finished with 10 saves and a team-high four ground balls between the pipes and Heather Lobas led the way with two forced turnovers.

Gore led Kennesaw State with six goals on the day, adding seven draw controls and a pair of ground balls.

Gardner-Webb will be back in action next week, traveling to face Wofford in Spartanburg, S.C., on Saturday, February 29.