BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Gardner-Webb handed St. Bonaventure their first loss of the season on a rainy Thursday afternoon to improve to 4-3 on the season highlighted by five goals from Talen Francis.

After St. Bonaventure came out early with a 3-0 run, Gardner-Webb answered with a long 7-0 scoring run lasting from the 22:18 mark in the first half until 12:42 mark. There were six different goal scorers during the stretch highlighted by two goals and an assist by Francis.

After taking a 4-3 lead during the scoring run on a man-up goal by Megan Trout, the Runnin' Bulldogs never trailed again, leading for the remaining 45 minutes of the game.

Trading goals over the last ten minutes, the Runnin' Bulldogs were leading 8-5 after the first half.

St. Bonaventure was able to keep the game close until a Gardner-Webb 5-0 scoring run that started at the 20:27 mark in the second half that sealed the game as they led 15-7 after the run.

Gardner-Webb's defense was able to force the Bonnies to go 14-22 on their clear attempts.

The Runnin' Bulldogs were able to pick up ten more groundballs than their opponents, outgaining them 26-16. Francis led the team with five groundball pickups. She also led the team in caused turnovers, forcing four.

Gardner-Webb had seven different goal scorers; Francis led the way with five goals. Three different Runnin' Bulldogs each had three goals: Jada Preston, Eilish Gately, Lauren Deaver. Liz Antoshak, Megan Trout, and Hannah Smith each had one goal apiece.

The Runnin' Bulldogs had five assists on the day. Ciarra Ashworth and Preston finished with two assists each. Francis finished the day with one assist.

This win puts Gardner-Webb at 4-3, improving their record at home to 3-1.

Next up for the Runnin' Bulldogs is a home game at Spangler Stadium on Sunday against Detroit Mercy at 1:00 pm as Gardner-Webb looks for their third-straight victory.