CHAPEL HILL, N.C.  – The Gardner-Webb University women's basketball team tipped off its 2023-2024 campaign on Wednesday night falling to the #16 University of North Carolina by a final score of 98-58 on November, 8 in the Carmichael Arena.
 
"It feels good to get our first game out of the way.", said Head Coach Scott Merritt. "It's very clear which areas we need to improve in."
 
In the opening minutes of the first quarter, North Carolina started strong leading 12-4 before five straight points from the 'Dawgs, including a three-pointer by senior guard Micahla Funderburk, shrunk the Tar Heel lead to three at 12-9. Back-to-back sinks from behind the arc, gave UNC a nine-point lead at 18-9 with 2:56 left in the quarter. Funderburk would net another three-pointer with under two minutes to yet again cut into the UNC lead at 19-12. The Heels would lead by 12 going into the second quarter after a half-court chuck by Indya Nivar at the buzzer gave them a 24-12 advantage. 
 
The second quarter involved UNC earning its first 20-point lead at 32-12 after a 6-0 opening run by the Tar Heels. A pair of Funderburk threes helped the 'Dawgs cut into this North Carolina lead, but the Heels would just keep firing on all cylinders, holding a 45-26 lead at the half. Junior guard Ashley Hawkins scored eight points in the second half for the Runnin' Bulldogs, but that would not be enough as UNC would pull away with a 102-49 dominant win to open its season.
 
"That was a very tough opponent for our first game, and UNC did an excellent job on both ends of the floor," coach Merritt added. "We will get back to work tomorrow and get ready for our next opponent."
 
NOTABLE STATS
The Runnin' Bulldogs did remain perfect on the night from the charity stripe, shooting 14-of-14. Funderburk tied a career-high in points with 16, all coming in the first half, shooting 40 percent (4-of-10) from the field. Hawkins, followed behind with 14 points while shooting a perfect 6-of-6 from the line. Graduate student forward Ramatoulaye Keita and sophomore forward Grace Pack led the team on the boards each with five rebounds apiece.
 
UP NEXT
The Runnin' Bulldogs continue their early season slate this Saturday, Nov. 11 against Elon University for the 'Dawgs home opener. Tip-off is at 1:00 p.m. in the Paul Porter Arena.