BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – The Runnin' Bulldogs netted twelve goals in the second half to power past Radford 15-11 on Senior Day for their first conference win of the season. Gardner-Webb were led by Bria Foley and Jada Preston on the offensive end with each posting five points in the win while Grace Briggs and Foley each registered a trio of caused turnovers.
 
"I'm incredibly proud of this group for getting their first conference win," said Head Coach Maddie Martin. "They deserve it after all their hard work and how they never quit in any of the games."
 
The Highlanders got ahead early scoring the first three of the day holding a 5-2 edge after the first 15 minutes. Heading into the halftime break, Radford held a 7-3 lead, their largest margin of the game.
 
The 'Dogs offense started clicking as they went on a 5-0 scoring run to start the half. GWU scored their first four within the first five minutes to tie it with the last pair being off unassisted shots by Preston. Lauren Connor gave Gardner-Webb their first lead of the game with 5:30 to go in the quarter off an Aimie Perino assist. Radford responded with a pair of goals to regain the lead by the quarter's conclusion.
 
The teams traded goals at the start of the quarter with GWU's Emma Duchscherer scoring the next two goals each off passes from Rylee Gonzalez to bring the score to 10-10.
 
Heather Lobas provided the next go-ahead goal after charging to the net after the clear for her first goal of the season. Radford scored once more to tie it, but the Runnin' Bulldogs closed the game on a 4-0 run to claim their first conference win of the season. The game-winner was scored by Preston off a free position opportunity.
 
Foley led the team with four goals and added an assist. Preston netted three goals and tied for the team lead in assists with two as Perino and Gonzalez each finished with a pair as well. Brittany Sherrod, Duchscherer and Perino each finished with two goals. Lobas and Jayla Middlebrooks had a goal each to add to their senior day celebrations.
 
In total, GWU had a 25-13 margin in groundballs with Foley, Sherrod, and Briggs all finishing with four. Gonzalez had the next most with three as Connor and Perino finished with two apiece. From the circle, RU finished with a 17-13 margin. Sherrod led the team with six while Foley added five herself.
 
Radford turned the ball over 19 times to Gardner-Webb's 16 with the 'Dogs lowering their number of turnovers in each quarter played during the action. GWU's defense caused 11 turnovers with Briggs and Foley each finishing with three. Gonzalez and Lobas had two apiece while Perino added one herself.
 
"Tonight, we get to celebrate this win and the seniors for their accomplishments and contributions over their careers," said Martin "Tomorrow, we prepare and focus in on Saturday's road game against a tough opponent in PC," said Martin.
 
Gardner-Webb returns to action on Saturday as they travel to face Presbyterian (2-0) in Clinton for a 1:00 p.m. showdown against the Blue Hose.