BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Gardner-Webb lost to USC Upstate in Saturday's game three to wrap up the series.
 
After a 15-minute weather delay, the Spartans got out to a fast start with four runs in the first inning.
 
Ella Christopher hit a single to right field in the bottom of the first, but no runs came of it.
 
In the top of the second, USC Upstate added three runs to make it 7-0.
 
Adreinne Visintine was hit by a pitch to leadoff the bottom of the inning, and Bridgette Strobl hit a single to center field. Alyssa Bonilla followed with a single and scored Visintine to put the 'dogs on the board.
 
The Spartan offense kept up the scoring, adding three runs in the third and two in the fourth to extend their lead.
 
In the bottom of the fifth, freshman Emily Garcia hit a single down the left field line. Kasey Fava moved her to second, and Annicka McLaughlin singled through the left side to push her to third. With runners on the corners and one out, Christopher grounded out and advanced McLaughlin, but the Spartans held Garcia at third. Then, with two strikes and two outs, Andrea Lyon hit a single through the left side to score a run. Visintine followed with a single to center field and scored McLaughlin, but it was not enough as Upstate took the series finale.
 
Visintine led the team, batting 2/2 with an RBI. McLaughlin, Christopher, Strobl, Garcia, Lyon, and Bonilla all had hits as well. Lyon and Bonilla had the other two RBIs.
 
A trio of freshmen pitched for Gardner-Webb. Alli Stidham started and threw the first two innings. Kalyn Kyle took over in the third, and Clara Wyatt pitched the final two.
 
The Runnin' Bulldogs will take their last road trip of the regular season to Clinton, South Carolina Saturday, April 29. They will square off with Presbyterian in a doubleheader at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, and close out the series Sunday.