BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Gardner-Webb volleyball (7-8, 1-2) faced its second Big South opponent in 24 hours on Saturday, September 30 against High Point University (9-6, 3-0) where the Panthers arose victorious in a tight three-set battle. 
 
Freshman outside hitter Jenna Otts led GWU with six kills while sophomore setter Paige Bernstein had 11 assists and 10 digs, grabbing her fourth double-double performance of the season. Sophomore libero Sophia Kotsovolos tied a game-high 18 digs on the defensive side for Gardner-Webb.

"It was good to see the team compete in the first two sets," said assistant coach Kali Boatwright. "Overall it was a good match and we can do better to pull out a win."
 
The Runnin' Bulldogs opened the first set of the contest with a 7-3 lead after two aces by freshman middle Paige Hoeder. After tying the score at 8-8, GWU picked up four straight points to jump in front 12-8. The Panthers responded with seven points in a row following the outburst from the 'Dawgs at 15-12. Back-and-forth points would not be enough for Gardner-Webb, as High Point secured set one. 
 
Set two saw 14 tie scores and four lead changes occur, including four straight service errors against the Panthers. Tied at 17-17 late in the second set, a kill by Hoeder bumped GWU in front, but three straight points for HPU gave them the window to take set two at 25-22. 
 
Facing an 8-3 deficit in set three, the 'Dawgs came from behind to shrink the margin to one point at 9-8. The Runnin' Bulldogs could not overcome the Panther lead, ultimately falling 25-15 in the final set.

"We are excited to get back to work and use this as fuel moving forward," said Boatwright.
 
The Runnin' Bulldogs hit the road for two Big South matchups starting on Friday, October 6 against Presbyterian College at 6:00 p.m. and finishing up at Charleston Southern University at 2:00 p.m.