CLINTON, S.C.  – The Gardner-Webb University women's basketball team defeated the Blue Hose of Presbyterian College on Saturday afternoon by a final score of 72-58. Four Runnin' Bulldogs record double-digit performances as the 'Dawgs earn their first Big South Conference win.
 
"It was good see my young team respond the way they did after a tough loss on Wednesday.", said coach Merritt. "I thought we played with the level of toughness that I have been trying to pull out of them. We beat a very good Presbyterian team on the road."
 
Presbyterian opened the ballgame on a 12-0 run before the 'Dawgs climbed back into the contest by the end of the first quarter only trailing 12-8. With 2:59 left to go in the first half Gardner-Webb began to chase down the Blue Hose as Trinity Moreland hit a three-pointer to tie the game 26-26. The Runnin' Bulldogs would sit tied with Presbyterian 30-30 at the half.
 
Due to some great shooting by Ashley Hawkins and Micahla Funderburk the Runnin' Bulldogs too the lead in the third quarter and held the lead for the rest of the contest. With 4:32 left to go in the fourth quarter the Runnin' Bulldogs led by 11 points. Key baskets from Lauren Baily among others allowed Gardner-Webb to build a 14 point lead down the stretch ending in the 72-58 victory.
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
Four different 'Dawgs tallied double digits in the ballgame with Hawkins leading Gardner-Webb with 19 points. She continues to lead the team with 236. Trinity Moreland (15), Funderburk (10), and Anaya Harris (10), all joined her scoring double-digits as well. Hawkins also led the 'Dawgs in rebounding with five. Moreland's 15 points is a season high on the year.
 
UP NEXT
The Runnin' Bulldogs will be back at home in Paul Porter Arena on Saturday, Jan. 17 hosting Radford University at 7:00 p.m.