RADFORD, VA - The Gardner-Webb University volleyball team suffered a road setback on Friday night in the New River Valley, losing 3-1 to Radford in Big South Conference play

GWU got off to a blinding start, jumping in front and dominating the first set to the tune of a 25-18 win. What was a back and forth battle early on turned the way of the Runnin' Bulldogs after the first media timeout, where the Red and Black outscored Radford 10-5 down the stretch. Redshirt sophomore outside hitter Cayton White played a huge role in closing out a 1-0 lead for Gardner-Webb, connecting on three late kills to get GWU over the finish line.

Radford did rally however, with the Highlanders squeaking out a narrow 25-23 win in the second before a blowout 25-13 mark in the third that completely turned the match around. The second wasn't without fireworks, where an 11-5 Radford lead quickly became 11-11 after six straight from the 'Dawgs. Junior setter Morgan Hornaday provided two assists and a service ace in the sequence. Radford once again fired back though, and despite GWU getting back to within a point late, Radford closed 25-23 for a 1-1 match. The Highlanders wouldn't trail at all in the third set to follow, where Gardner-Webb was unable to rally from an early 13-4 hole.

The Runnin' Bulldogs were forced to play catch-up for much of the fourth, and nearly did, coming within a few points of overturning a 19-10 Radford lead late. After falling behind by nine, GWU scored the game's next five points, aided by four attacking errors in a row on the home side. The Red and Black again found themselves down six nearing match point, but back to back kills from graduate middle Alivia Rew gave GWU a fighting chance down 23-20. However, Radford again closed to end the match 3-1.

Leaders for Gardner-Webb include 13 kills from White, five blocks from redshirt junior middle Kyla Davis, 18 digs from sophomore libero Molly Littlefield and 19 assists from junior setter Rebecca Siedenburg.

Next up, Gardner-Webb travels to High Point on Saturday afternoon, November 2nd. First serve is set for 2 p.m. on ESPN Plus.