BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. - The Gardner-Webb University volleyball team fell at home to Radford inside Paul Porter Arena on Saturday evening, taking the first set ahead of a 3-1 defeat.

The Runnin' Bulldogs exploded out of the gate in a homecoming weekend contest, taking the first set 25-22. Things remained tight however, with neither side going ahead by more than three until a late GWU run. Redshirt sophomore outside hitter Cayton White and freshman outside Caroline Franklin sparked a difference-making 5-0 spurt by the 'Dawgs late in the frame, giving Gardner-Webb a 23-19 advantage. A last attack error on Radford handed the Runnin' Bulldogs the set point and a 1-0 lead.

The visitors responded in the second set, taking a 10-2 lead ahead of a Gardner-Webb timeout and never looking back on route to a 25-14 win and a 1-1 match. The Runnin' Bulldogs saved their best for the middle frame, eventually closing the Highlanders lead to as few as five but never closer. Junior setter Morgan Hornady played her part, dishing out five assists in the stanza.

Radford once again used a lengthy scoring run, this time late in the third set on the way to a 25-17 win and 2-1 lead. Gardner-Webb began strong, even nabbing a service ace from White to go ahead 6-4. Sophomore libero Molly Littlefield recorded one as well, keeping the 'Dawgs in the set down 13-11 nearing halfway. A 6-1 Radford run played the deciding factor however, with two of the final three points not enough for GWU.

With a 25-10 win in the fourth, Radford finished off the Runnin' Bulldogs, 3-1. Of the 'Dawgs 10 points, Freshman outside Samia Sayd played a major role, connecting on a pair of kills, two of the seven she'd finish the contest with.

Leaders for Gardner-Webb include Franklin with 11 kills, White with 9 kills, Hornaday with 14 assists, and Littlefield who finished with a game-high 34 digs for the Runnin' Bulldogs.

A five-game home-stand continues for Gardner-Webb next Friday night, October 25th when the Runnin' Bulldogs host Presbyterian.