HAMPTON, VA - The Gardner-Webb University women's basketball team led at the half on Tuesday night at Hampton, but were unable to fend off a late comeback as the Pirates upended GWU by a final score of 76-67

Gardner-Webb began well on Tuesday evening along the docks, jumping out to a 10-5 lead in the first quarter despite some early shooting woes from both sides. Senior guard Ashley Hawkins was the catalyst early for the Runnin' Bulldogs, scoring four early points as part of a team-high 17 on the night.

Down just two, the Runnin' Bulldogs would shine in the second quarter, outscoring Hampton 23-14, shooting 8-of-12 from the floor in the period, and eventually taking a 37-30 lead into the break. Part of a career-night back in her home state of Virginia, freshman guard Kendall Scott knocked down her first jumper with 9:30 to go for her first of 14 points in 18 minutes. Junior guard Nyla Walker was a force for GWU in the second, stealing the ball away in the backcourt before spinning around to hit forward Andrea Martinez for the and one with 4:04 remaining that put Gardner-Webb up 29-22. Martinez connected on a second and one with 1:08 to play to push the 'Dawgs to a double digit lead they'd mostly hold until the break.

Riding to what was to that point, a three point shooting clinic, Hampton would turn around the GWU second quarter by the third, with the Pirates outscoring the Runnin' Bulldogs 25-12 in the period to lead 55-49. While the Pirates eventually finished just 9-of-20 from deep, Hampton would have to miss each of its last five three pointers after going a blistering 9-of-15 in the first 30 minutes. With a 9-0 run, Hampton had overturned GWU by the 2:55 mark of the third quater.

The Runnin' Bulldogs did manage to fight back for a fourth quarter lead however, as the two teams went door to door late. Hawkins nailed a crafty jumper with 6:50 to play, pushing Gardner-Webb to a 58-57 lead. Scott would also emerge again late to keep the Runnin' Bulldogs in it, scoring five straight points to lock the game in a 63-63 tie with 4:29 to play. Over that 4:29 though, GWU was held without a single field goal and just four points, all from the free throw line as Hampton pulled away.

Leaders for Gardner-Webb include Hawkins with 17 points, six rebounds, Scott with a career-high 14 points on four made field goals, freshman center Maja Rohkohl with eight points, eight rebounds in just 16 minutes, and graduate forward Elze Motekaityte with six points and another 10 rebound game.

Next up, GWU closes non-conference play on December 20th at 3 pm, playing host to Queens inside Paul Porter Arena. Tickets are on sale now at gwusports.com