BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. - The Gardner-Webb University women's soccer team was tripped up in Big South Conference play on Saturday evening, falling 3-1 at home to Presbyterian

The first half hour at Greene-Harbison Stadium saw the two teams trade only a handful of chances, with the Runnin' Bulldogs forcing three early saves from the Presbyterian goalkeeper.

However, the Blue Hose were the first to take advantage, taking the lead in the 39th minute. A recycled ball from a corner kick was lofted far post, with a PC attacker on the end with a header into the back of the net.

A series of chances followed for Gardner-Webb in the next few minutes, but the Blue Hose doubled its lead just before halftime. Another cross with some air under it was guided home, putting the Runnin' Bulldogs in a 2-nil hole.

Not long out of the break, Presbyterian grabbed a third. The Blue Hose threaded the needle through the Gardner-Webb defense, sliding one over the line in the 63rd minute for a 3-nil lead.

Despite being 3-nil down, the Runnin' Bulldogs produced some late action. After a handball in the box on Presbyterian, graduate forward Abby Clark stepped forward and delivered a penalty kick, putting GWU on the board, down 3-1 in the 74th minute.

Sophomore goalkeeper Jaimie Martin came up big as the Runnin' Bulldogs pushed numbers forward in a comeback effort. Off the bench, the Merseyside, England native came off her line for two huge point-blank saves back to back in the 80th minute.

GWU registered one last shot on target in the 85th minute, as Presbyterian held on and defeated Gardner-Webb 3-1.

Leaders for Gardner-Webb include freshman Anya Tribune with four shots and three on goal, sophomore goalkeeper Stephanie Liu who joins Martin with three saves each, and redshirt sophomore midfielder Peyton Bryant and junior defender Camila Lezcano who completed the full 90 minutes.

Next up, GWU hosts Charleston Southern, scheduled for October 12th at 4:00 p.m.