CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Gardner-Webb University women's basketball team fell in its final non-conference battle this season against Queens University (N.C.) in the Curry Arena on December 30 by a score of 66-48.
"This what not how we wanted to end the non-conference season," said Head Coach Scott Merritt. "We will continue to work and get better. We have to raise the level of toughness that we compete with going forward."
The Royals opened the first quarter leading for a majority of the first 10 minutes. Both sides played each other tight defensively, but Gardner-Webb pulled in front briefly after back-to-back three-pointers from the 'Dawgs at 15-14. Queens rolled in a buzzer-beater to regain the lead at 16-15 heading into the second quarter.
Queens pulled back in front to start the quarter but would face another Runnin' Bulldog run as GWU reclaimed the lead at 25-24. Three straight baskets from the Royals pushed the score in Queens' advantage at 30-25 going into halftime. Early in the third quarter, Queens built a nine-point lead at 37-28 but would surrender that to another Gardner-Webb run at 40-37. During that run down by four at 37-33, sophomore center
Grace Pack scored the next seven points for the 'Dawgs to pull in front.
The Royals would not step off the gas, scoring the next 16 points and leading at 55-40. Queens allowed the 'Dawgs to only score eight in the fourth quarter as they ultimately claimed a 66-48 victory.
NOTABLE STATS
Sophomore center
Grace Pack finished the contest as the only 'Dawg in double figures with 10 points while knocking down 2-of-5 from behind the arc. Graduate student
Ramatoulaye Keita finished with a strong line against the Royals scoring nine points, hauling in 12 rebounds, and picking up two blocks.
Junior guard
Ashley Hawkins dished out seven assists and grabbed eight boards while senior guard
Micahla Funderburk scored nine points with five rebounds. Freshman guard
Anaya Harris secured a career-high eight rebounds while scoring nine points in the 'Dawgs effort. Freshman guard
Kayla Martin made her debut as a Runnin' Bulldog, scoring four points in 14 minutes.
UP NEXT
The Runnin' Bulldogs return to Paul Porter Arena after the New Year on January 6 at 1:00 p.m. opening Big South action against High Point University.
