JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Gardner-Webb women's soccer opened its regular season campaign on the road Thursday night as the Runnin' Bulldogs battled East Tennessee State to a 2-2 draw from Summers-Taylor Stadium to kick off the 2022 campaign. 

After Gardner-Webb struck twice in 90 seconds to take an early 2-0 lead, ETSU answered with a pair of second half goals before the full 90 minutes of regulation ticked down, solidifying a draw after the NCAA voted to eliminate overtime periods from college soccer's regular season beginning this year. 
 
"It was a great night for women's soccer, the ETSU stands were full, and their fans were loud, creating an awesome atmosphere," said head coach Mike Varga.  
 
The Runnin' Bulldogs got out to an early lead behind scores from Livi Tanzer and Rebecka Hemlin in the 31^st and 33^rd minutes, each coming on the field as substitutes after the first 25 minutes of play. Tanzer scored off a pass from Klara Ovefelt, while Hemlin's finish off the assist from Carina Leal just ninety seconds later gave the 'Dogs a 2-0 advantage heading into the halftime break. The Hemlin and Leal connection marked each of their first goals and assists during their times in Boiling Springs.
 
In the second half, the Buccaneers drew even behind goals from Aliya Cooper and Emma Arnold in the 70^th and 80^th minutes. "ETSU used the energy from the crowd in the second half to play strong and draw even," said Varga.
 
Kiera Gibson started and played in all 90 minutes of the game, collecting three saves in her debut with the 'Dawgs. Gibson transferred to GWU from Florida International and had a pair of key saves in the second half to keep the Bucs off the board at the 57^th and 67^th minutes. Gibson faced 16 shots during the evening and helped anchor the defense on 11 corner kick opportunities from ETSU.
 
Gardner-Webb now turns its attention to their home opener against Alabama State on Sunday, August 21^st at 1:00 p.m. seeking its first victory of the 2022 campaign.