FARMVILLE, VA – Gardner-Webb fell to 1-4 in Big South play on Saturday after a close 12-11 defeat despite a five-goal outing by Talen Francis. The second half saw six lead changes between the two teams across those 30 minutes of play.
 
Longwood started the game scoring the first four goals of the match, getting to an early 4-0. The Runnin' Bulldogs had a slow start to the game offensively as they did not score until the 17:24 mark in the first half. The score was off an unassisted shot by Talen Francis. The Lancers' scored another and then were held scoreless for the next 23 minutes by the Bulldogs' defense.
 
While the Lancers were being shut out, Gardner-Webb tallied the next six between that time to take a 7-5. Eilish Gately scored the first of the run with 8:39 remaining in the half.
 
After this scoreless streak for over a third of the game, Longwood racked up the next 3 goals within the next 3 minutes to have a one-goal advantage.
 
Francis netted the next goal and Hannah Smith followed it with a score of her own 43 seconds later off a free-position, woman-up opportunity. After this pair of goals, the 'Dogs led 9-8 with a little over 15 minutes of play remaining.
 
Longwood and Gardner-Webb traded another pair of scores, so 'Dogs led 11-10 8:50 left. The Lancers tied it at the 5:36 mark off a free-position goal by Emma Johnson. The Longwood took the lead for good after Nicole Fordyce netted a goal, giving the team a 12-11 advantage.
 
Francis led all goal scorers with five. Aimie Perino contributed two. Hannah Smith, Lauren Connor, Jessica Vetter, and Gately each had one.
 
Gately, Tori Birks, and Brittany Sherrod finished with one assist each.
 
Perino led the team with three groundballs, and Emily Rowell had two. Francis, Gately, Vetter, Heather Lobas, Jada Preston, and Hailey Maranto scooped one apiece.
 
Maddie Martin led all players with 10 draw controls. Francis finished the afternoon with three. Birks and Maranto had one. Gardner-Webb won 15 while Longwood had nine.
 
Lobas caused four turnovers by the Lancers in the afternoon. Rowell finished with two caused turnovers. Francis, Preston, and Gately had one apiece.
 
Mackey made the start in goal and finished with eight saves.
 
Gardner-Webb returns to action on Wednesday for their Big South Conference Finale at High Point at 5:00 p.m.