BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Gardner-Webb opened their Big South schedule with a Wednesday afternoon matchup with Mercer. The Bears came away with a 24-5 decision in the game.
 
Mercer scored the first two goals of the day, but the Runnin' Bulldogs responded with a pair of their own to tie the game at two. GWU's Brittany Sherrod had the first off a Bria Foley assist from right outside the crease. Then Rylee Gonzalez won the draw, Aimie Perino drew a foul and converted the free position shot into a goal for the second.  
 
The Bears went on to score the next two and never surrendered their lead for the rest of the game. Emma Duchscherer stopped their run from a pass by Perino to bring it within 5-3.
 
All five goals by the Runnin' Bulldogs were by a different player with Perino, Duchscherer, Sherrod, Rylee Gonzalez and Lauren Connor having them. Perino, Bria Foley, and Jada Preston each had an assist.
 
Danielle Burke had a season high in saves as she finished with 13 across 51:44 minutes played. Lauren Cretella played the other 8:16 in cage and picked up a pair of saves during the game.
 
Heather Lobas led the team in groundballs and caused turnovers as she finished with three apiece. Grace Briggs had three draw controls to go along with two caused turnovers and two groundballs. Connor finished with one of each while Victoria Fischetti had a pair of caused turnovers.
 
Sherrod and Foley each had two draws with Duchscherer and Gonzalez finishing with one apiece.
 
Gardner-Webb returns to action on Saturday as they travel to face Longwood with a first draw slated for noon. Last season, the 'Dogs knocked off the Lancers 15-11 on GWU's Senior Day to seal their spot in the Big South Conference Tournament.