HIGH POINT, N.C. – The #3-seed Gardner-Webb volleyball team (14-13, 8-6) finished its 2023 season on Saturday, November 18 against #2-seed Winthrop University (14-12, 12-2) falling in straight sets to the Eagles in the Big South Tournament Semifinals. 
 
The Runnin' Bulldogs finish the 2023 season, with the most conference wins in a season and making the program's first trip to the Big South Tournament semifinals. The Runnin' Bulldogs tied the school record for the second most regular season wins in a season as well.

"It's frustrating to end our season on a loss but we ran into a team that was hitting on all cylinders so the credit goes to them," said Head Coach Eric Plunkett. "Losing is never ideal but thinking back on this season, it's hard not to smile. This team accomplished so much! They made history time and time again for Gardner-Webb Volleyball. I couldn't be more proud of this team's heart, determination, and resiliency. What is even more exciting is what this program is building. I promise you this we will be back and better next season!"
 
Junior middle blockers Lovie Wallace and Autumn Flowers led the 'Dawgs at the net in the effort against the Eagles. Wallace with nine kills and a .412 hitting percentage while Flowers picked up seven kills and a .600 hitting percentage. Freshman outside hitter Jenna Otts supplied seven kills as well. Sophomore libero and Big South Defensive Player of the Year, Sophia Kotsovolos, led the defensive side for Gardner-Webb with 11 digs.
 
The two sides opened set one trading points, but the Eagles would hold the lead at 8-7. Winthrop caught fire and soared to a 12-3 run resulting in the Eagle's first 10-point lead of the contest at 20-10. The 'Dawgs managed to pull the score within eight points but no further than that as Winthrop led 1-0 after a 25-16 start. 
 
Set two would be the closest outing between the sides, as Gardner-Webb tied the score up at 8-8 after a block from Wallace and Otts. The Eagles grabbed three points in a row at 11-8 and protected that lead eventually growing their margin to five at 18-13. A much-needed 6-0 scoring run from the Runnin' Bulldogs pulled them in front at 19-18. Winthrop answered back quickly with two points at 20-19 before GWU tied it back up at 20-20. The Eagles outscored the 'Dawgs 5-1 after that to ultimately take a 2-0 set lead.
 
Gardner-Webb cracked open set three with a big 6-1 lead before extending it at 12-5 with promise of keeping their season alive. With GWU in the lead, the Eagles sparked their best scoring run of the contest, outscoring the 'Dawgs 15-2 to command a 20-14 advantage. The Runnin' Bulldogs would be too late unfortunately, as the Eagles scored five out of the next nine points to officially take set three 25-18 and send Winthrop to the Big South Championship.
 
For more information on the Gardner-Webb volleyball team, fans can follow the team on X at @GWU_VB, on Instagram at @gwu_vb, and on TikTok at @gwu_vb.