BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. - The Gardner-Webb University women's soccer team scored an important Big South Conference win on Wednesday night, defeating Winthrop 2-nil at Greene-Harbison Stadium and staying alive in the race for the Big South Tournament

In search of a crucial three points in the standings, the Runnin' Bulldogs put the pressure on early and often under the lights, creating several key chances inside the opening half hour of play. Sophomore midfielder Lily Stegall pounced on the best of those early chances, producing a Winthrop save in the 25th minute. Stegall would be involved in an even bigger way later on.

Finally in the 44th minute, GWU got its deserved goal. Senior defender Lea Gossett lofted a free kick from near midfield into the opposition box, untouched by any Gardner-Webb attackers, a deflection off the gloves of the Winthrop goalkeeper dribbled over the line and into the back of the net. With that, the Runnin' Bulldogs took a 1-0 lead into halftime. The wonder strike from Gossett was her first goal of the 2024 season and second of her Gardner-Webb career.

The Runnin' Bulldogs keep the same pressure up after halftime, eventually finding a second goal just minutes into the second half. In the 56th minute, Stegall found herself free inside the six yard box and saw her first effort blocked. When the rebound fell back to her feet seconds late, Stegall fired into the far side netting for a 2-nil Gardner-Webb lead. It was the second time this season the Wilson, N.C. native found the score sheet.

With a 2-nil lead and time on their side, GWU locked down the defensive side of the ball while trying to spring attackers free. Graduate forward Abby Clark came off the bench for a pair of late chances, nearly adding to the Runnin' Bulldogs lead.

At the back, sophomore goalkeeper Stephanie Liu recorded five saves to help keep Winthrop off the board as the Runnin' Bulldogs rode out the first Big South Conference victory of the Erik Solberg era.

Leaders for Gardner-Webb include Liu's five saves, Gossett and Stegall not only with the goals but three and four shots each, Clark with four shots and Lina Ullen, Peyton Bryant, Camila Lezcano and Alva Jonsson who join Gossett and Liu in playing the full 90 minute game.

"I'm really, really proud. It's tough when you're under pressure to come out and get a result so I'm really, really please" said head coach Erik Solberg after his first conference victory leading the Gardner-Webb program. I thought it was a complete team effort. When you keep the other team from scoring, you give yourself a really good chance to win. We defended well but our attack was key. We were on the front foot the whole game, right from the beginning we were dangerous."

On his goal scorers, Solberg continued "Leah has been knocking on the door all year. She's got several assists and puts balls in play all the time. I'm so happy for her to be rewarded for all her hard work. Lily scored against High Point but she really stayed with it. She's been so dangerous and creative for us but to see her on the other end scoring goals is really special. I'm really proud of those two and our whole team. It took everybody tonight"

Next up, the Runnin' Bulldogs visit USC Upstate for the final round of Big South play. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 26th.