SPARTANBURG, S.C. – A cross from Louison Cavalier was sent directly to the foot of freshman Jaylen Orr for a score in the 49^th minute, and Gardner-Webb goalkeepers repeatedly denied Wofford's best looks on goal, as the Runnin' Bulldogs went on the road and blanked the Terriers on Thursday night to pick up a win in the 2022 season opener from Snyder Field in Spartanburg, S.C.
 
Playing in the first match of his career, Orr (Gastonia, N.C. / Charlotte Independence) broke a nil-nil tie just minutes after the halftime break when Cavalier found him all alone near the left post. The freshman took full advantage of his open space, sliding in and one-timing a shot just past the outstretched arms of Wofford's goalie to give Gardner-Webb a 1-0 edge with 42 minutes to go.
 
Looking to quickly strike back, the Terriers earned a penalty kick in the 59^th minute that would have once again evened the score, but freshman goalkeeper Javier Ramirez dove to his left and denied Wofford's shot attempt, turning away the home team's best opportunity of the evening.
 
Ramirez then continued to come up big for the Runnin' Bulldogs as the freshman collected an additional three saves throughout the remainder of action to preserve the slim GWU lead, and ultimately the victory.
 
"I'm really proud of the guys for their work ethic and for sticking to the game plan," said head coach Tony Setzer. "They showed a lot of grit and determination and performed admirably. We need this type of effort every time we step onto the field, and I'm especially thrilled for Jaylen Orr, who got his first career goal in his first match tonight."
 
Splitting time in net, Ramirez and Lorenzo Bartoloni – who started and played the full first half – combined for eight total saves on the night to keep the Terriers off the board.
 
In what amounted to an even back-and-forth affair, Gardner-Webb edged Wofford in the shot category, 11-10, while both teams put eight of those attempts on target. All eight were saved by the Runnin' Bulldogs, to just seven for the Terriers, the ultimate difference in the contest.
 
Gardner-Webb freshman Pablo Brimeux led all players with six shots on the night, four of which were placed on goal. Junior Marcovich Brown also added a pair of shots, while three other Runnin' Bulldogs each tallied one shot apiece.
 
With a season-opening victory under its belt, Gardner-Webb will now look ahead to a showdown in North Carolina's Queen City on Monday, August 29 as the Runnin' Bulldogs travel to take on Charlotte at 7 p.m.