ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The Gardner-Webb volleyball team (14-11, 8-5) took down UNC Asheville (7-20, 1-12) in straight-sets on Saturday, November 4 to help send them to the Big South Tournament semifinals for the first time in program history. This is the first time the 'Dawgs have made the tournament in the Eric Plunkett era.
 
The Runnin' Bulldogs tied the school record for the second most regular season wins in a season as well.
 
Junior middle blocker Autumn Flowers had one of her best outings as a Runnin' Bulldog with 10 kills on 14 attacks while hitting an amazing .714 at the net. Flowers also recorded 12.5 points, two solo blocks, and one block assist for the 'Dawgs. 
 
Freshman outside hitter Jenna Otts also had 10 kills hitting a .318 percentage. At the service line, freshman libero Molly Littlefield served up four aces giving her eight aces in the last 24 hours. Junior outside hitter Avery Cole played well defensively collecting three solo blocks and one block assist to lead the squad.

"Loved our team's consistency this afternoon," said Head Coach Eric Plunkett. "We knew Asheville was gonna come out swinging and we were able to stay consistent both offensively and defensively to pull away from them late in each set."

The first game began with both sides trading points, including the Bulldogs holding the lead late at 16-15. A kill by Otts and two errors from Asheville gave the lead back to GWU at 18-16, this would allow the 'Dawgs to escape set one 25-19. Set two saw Gardner-Webb pull away from another early Asheville lead at 8-6, after two aces from Littlefield and three more GWU points at 11-8. A 7-3 late surge by the Bulldogs let them climb back in front at 15-14. With Asheville still in front at 17-16, the 'Dawgs rolled away with a 9-3 run to keep in front with a two-set lead. 
 
Gardner-Webb kept its foot on the gas, opening set two with a 10-3 score. The Bulldogs battled back and pulled the margin back to 11-7, before GWU popped off for a 7-1 run to grab the biggest lead of the contest at 18-8. UNC Asheville somewhat closed the gap at 19-14, but it would not be enough to stop the 'Dawgs from winning 25-17 and completing the straight-sweep victory.

"So proud of this team's resiliency all year and their perseverance," said Plunkett. "Their hard work has put them in the position to make history for this Gardner-Webb program. To qualify for the conference tournament semifinals for the first time in program history is such a blessing and this incredible group of young women are so deserving. We know the job isn't done as we head to Winthrop next. We want to close out the regular season schedule with a bang!"

The Runnin' Bulldogs hit the road on Saturday, November 11 for their final regular season contest of the season with Winthrop University at 2:00 p.m.