DURHAM, N.C. – Facing its highest ranked opponent in program history, Gardner-Webb (0-1) recorded a trio of scores against one of the nation's best, but was unable to keep pace with No. 8 Duke (1-0) in the opening match of the season, falling to the Blue Devils from Koskinen Stadium on Friday night, 22-3.  
 
Gardner-Webb logged three goals on 13 shots as Lauren Deaver, Jada Preston and Brittany Sherrod all found the back of the cage for the Runnin' Bulldogs. Two of those scores came in the second quarter, with the final coming late in the fourth with less than two minutes remaining.
 
Making her first career start in cage for the Runnin' Bulldogs, Danielle Burke registered a save on Duke's first shot of the game to allow Gardner-Webb an opportunity to take an early advantage in the opening moments. But a shot from Talen Francis ricocheted off the post, opening the door for the Blue Devils to register the evening's first score at the 11:18 mark after the 'Dogs held the opposition scoreless over the first 4:42 of action.
 
As the potent Duke offense began to find its rhythm while jumping out to a double-digit lead after one quarter, it was Deaver who put GWU on the board for the first time this season, switching hands and catching Duke goalie Kennedy Everson off guard while slipping a shot past with just under nine minutes to go before the half. The score marked the redshirt-senior attacker's 37^th career goal and first since suffering from a season-ending injury a year ago.
 
While the two teams held each other scoreless over the next 7:13, Duke's Barry Catriona managed to score with just under two minutes to go before halftime. However, Preston helped the 'Dogs ride momentum into the locker room when the senior attacker pushed a shot home with only 55 seconds remaining before the break to cut GWU's deficit to 10 at the break, 12-2.
 
The Blue Devils went on to stretch their lead behind a consistent five goals in the third quarter and another five in the fourth, but not before the Runnin' Bulldogs could add one more off the stick of Sherrod. A sophomore midfielder, Sherrod capitalized on a free position opportunity from straightaway to notch her sixth career goal with 2:49 remaining until the final horn.
 
GWU finished with 12 saves on 42 Duke shots, 34 of which went on goal. Burke recorded seven of those in her time spent in the cage during the first half, while Kathleen Mackey entered for the second half and made five saves of her own.
 
For the Runnin' Bulldogs, eight shots went on goal led by two apiece from Deaver and Sherrod. Burke led the way with three ground balls, while Deaver won five draw controls and Maddie Martin another three against one of the top faceoff opponents in the country in Maddie Jenner. Sherrod, Deaver and Reese Jones each caused one turnover apiece.
 
With a quick turnaround, Gardner-Webb now returns to Boiling Springs for its home opener this Sunday, February 13 against Howard. Opening draw from Spangler Stadium is slated for 1 p.m. as the Runnin' Bulldogs look to improve to a perfect 3-0 against the Bison all-time.