RADFORD, Va.  – The Gardner-Webb University women's basketball downed the Highlanders of Radford University on Wednesday night by a final score of 63-58. Ashley Hawkins led the 'Dawgs with 23 points, while Lauren Bailey led in rebounds with 12.
 
"I'm very proud of my team's defensive effort.", said coach Merritt. "It starts and ends on that side of the floor. When you get stops it takes the pressure of you on the offensive end."
 
Hawkins came out with the hot hand as Gardner-Webb an early 24-20 lead in the first 10 minutes. The second quarter was very back-and-forth between the two squads as Hawkins and Bailey traded scoring opportunities for GWU. The Runnin' Bulldogs and Highlanders went into the break tied 36 all. Hawkins gained help from Nyla Walker in the third as neither team took a clear advantage. Radford tried to chip away at a narrow lead in the final minutes with Bailey draining a three-point dagger with 1:32 left to play sealing it for GWU. Gardner-Webb took the Big South win 63-58.
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
Hawkins tallied 23 points and seven assists for the 'Dawgs. She is up to a roster leading 391 points for Gardner-Webb. Bailey tallied nine points along with a season high 12 rebounds. Anaya Harris tallied nine of her own while Grace Pack scored eight.
 
UP NEXT
The Runnin' Bulldogs return to the court on Feb. 21 at Radford University for a 7:00 p.m. tipoff.