TROY, Ala. – Returning to the court for the final of three matches this weekend, Gardner-Webb rounded out play at the Trojan Invitational on Saturday afternoon with a five-set loss to Alabama State from a neutral-site setting inside Trojan Arena in Troy, Ala.
 
The Runnin' Bulldogs won sets one and three by scores of 25-20 and 25-23, respectively, but the Yellow Jackets (3-12) powered from behind with scores of 25-20 in set four and 15-9 in the decisive fifth and final frame to steal the come-from-behind victory.
 
The conclusion of Saturday's contest marks the conclusion of Gardner-Webb's 12-match non-conference slate that saw the Runnin' Bulldogs compete against three opponents over two-day spans in each of the last four weekends. All tournaments were played in different states, including Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Kentucky and Alabama.
 
"It was a frustrating close to our preseason schedule. We let some opportunities slip away in this tournament," said head coach Eric Plunkett. "What I hope is that we are prepared to enter conference with a fresh outlook and refocused mindset. Conference is all that matters now."
 
Gardner-Webb (2-10) started off the day stout, hitting at a .357 clip with 13 kills in the opening frame, but was unable to sustain that efficiency throughout as it rounded out the afternoon hitting .140 to Alabama State's strong mark of .325. In total, GWU tallied 45 kills on the day while tying ASU in both blocks and service aces as both teams ended with seven apiece.
 
Sophomore Avery Cole paced Gardner-Webb with a season-high 15 kills, her best output while dawning the Red and Black and tied for the third-highest total of her career. Kylee Garrison also finished in double digits with 11 kills, while Delaney McCullough posted a strong performance in the middle with eight kills, two service aces and six blocks, just one shy of a career high.
 
Mikayla Logan added seven kills for the Dawgs, and Emma Cross another two, with McKenna Timmerman and Paige Bernstein each picking up one apiece. Bernstein also dished out 10 assists, finishing in double digits for the third time of the freshman's young career, while Tori Weatherley had nine and Morgan Hornaday a team-high 18. Sophia Bolden also led the way in the digs category for GWU with 10.
 
For the first time this season, Gardner-Webb will now return to Boiling Springs with a home game on deck as the Runnin' Bulldogs are set to make their home debut when opening Big South play on Thursday, September 22 against Charleston Southern. A second matchup is then to follow the next day with Campbell coming to town for a Friday night matchup in front of the GWU faithful. Both matches are slated to begin at 6 p.m. inside Paul Porter Arena.