CLINTON, S.C. – Gardner-Webb opened its 2023 conference schedule with a 5-2 win at Presbyterian on Sunday afternoon. The decision pushes the 'Dogs to 11-3 on the season and 1-0 in the Big South.
 
"It was great to get a road conference win and I felt the turning point was us able to keep the early momentum by winning four of the six first sets," said Head Coach Mike Griffith.
 
The Runnin' Bulldogs got up early in the matchup by winning the doubles point. It started with a 6-3 win from court #2 by Victor Putter and Numa Lemieux-Monette. The point was clinched by Eduardo Dias and Chrisjan Van Wyk from the topflight with a 7-5 score as they have now been winners of their past seven. The match on court #3 went unfinished with the score tied at 5-5.
 
The Blue Hose got a point back from the 'Dogs with a straight set victory on court #3.
 
Alex Lepine got the first singles point for GWU with a 6-4, 6-2 triumph on court #2 and was soon followed by Sebastian Harris winning 6-0, 7-5 from court #6. With Harris' victory, the lead got pushed to 3-1 with Gardner-Webb just needing one more point to get the decision.
 
Dias provided the match-clincher by defeating Max Benson 6-4, 6-2 on the #1 court. Dias has won his past eight matches and holds a 12-1 record on the year.
 
Presbyterian got the decision on court #4 in three sets for their second point of the day.
 
In the final match to conclude, Kim Niethammer won after overcoming a loss in the first set from flight #5. The final score for it was 4-6, 6-4, 14-12. This was his 12^th win in a row, and he now holds a 13-1 mark on the year.
 
Griffith said, "PC is a tough team to play and to win is tough. Tomorrow will be another huge challenge in Campbell."
 
Gardner-Webb will be back in action tomorrow as they host Campbell (0-1) with a first serve at 2:00 p.m. The Fightin' Camels are coming off a 4-3 Big South opening loss on Saturday to Presbyterian.