PRINCESS ANNE, Md. – The Gardner-Webb volleyball team (2-5) were defeated by the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in four sets to conclude day one of the Henson Hawk Invitational on Friday, September 8. 
 
Sophomore outside hitter McKenna Timmerman and freshmen outside hitter Jenna Otts led the team in kills with 11 each and were responsible for 23 points combined in the match. Sophomore setter Morgan Hornaday retrieved her second double-double performance of the day with 21 assists and 10 digs.
 
Lovie Wallace, Autumn Flowers, and Avery Cole each finished with six kills each while Wallace recorded a .385 hitting percentage.
 
"We played against a team that played lights out," said Head Coach Eric Plunkett. "They stressed our defense all night. We battled back-and-forth with them in the first three sets but their consistency was too solid."
 
The first three sets were intense battles between the Hawks and 'Dawgs, with Gardner-Webb tying it at 24 apiece in the first set but falling in extra points 26-24. Maryland Eastern Shore led early in the second set until the Runnin' Bulldogs scored five straight to lead 11-10, GWU would edge out UMES 25-23 to even the match. Gardner-Webb led 10-2 in the third set but would face a tough comeback by the Hawks as they claimed the next two sets to secure the win.
 
"We need to figure out a way to get back to GWU volleyball and get a win tomorrow", said Plunkett. "There are no easy matches so we need to recover tonight and be focused and prepared for tomorrow."
 
The Runnin' Bulldogs will conclude play at the Henson Hawk Invitational on Saturday, Sep. 9 at 10 a.m. versus the Hampton University.