BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Gardner-Webb Women's Soccer defeated Alabama State 2-1 on Sunday afternoon in 'Dogs home opener for the 2022 season. Maddie Turlington netted two goals for her 69^th and 70^th career points. She netted the go-ahead score in the 73^rd minute, to put the 'Dogs back ahead and seal the team's first victory of the year.
 
"We'll build off this win," said Head Coach Mike Varga after the win. "After the way their goal was scored, we didn't let it deflate us. We kept the pressure up, responded with another goal of our own, and held strong defensively to get the decision today."
 
The Runnin' Bulldogs put pressure on Alabama State from the start, taking ten shots and five corners during the opening frame. ASU's Sheila Sanchez made three saves in the first half to keep the match scoreless heading into halftime.
 
"During the break, we challenged everyone on the attack to continue creating chances and to put the ball in the back of the net," said Varga.
 
Just three minutes into the second half, Autumn Woodard created an opportunity on the right of the box, blasting the shot off the crossbar and having the ball fall to the feet of Turlington to tap the ball in for the first score of the afternoon.
 
ASU equalized in the 53^rd minute off a free kick near midfield. Mckenna Lupori lofted the ball into the box, leading to a defensive miscommunication that had Kassandra Schoen deflect it into the goal.
 
The Hornets' Sanchez made three more saves in the second half, fending off the strong GWU attack. In the 73^rd minute, Alli Varga delivered a through-ball to Turlington for an opportunity in front of the goal. As she looked to take the shot, ASU's Kayleigh O'Neal tripped her from behind, receiving a yellow card for the action and awarding GWU a penalty kick. Turlington stepped to the spot and smashed the ball into the left center of the goal as the keeper dove to her right, giving Gardner-Webb the lead back.
 
"It was great to see Autumn and Maddie both take the challenge at halftime, play huge roles in our scores in the second, and help us claim our first victory."
 
Gardner-Webb's defense held strong all match, only allowing four Hornet shots. The Runnin' Bulldogs also only allowed ASU to take one corner during the 90 minutes of play.
 
GWU will be back in action on Thursday, August 25 at Davidson with a 7:00 p.m. kickoff time. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+.