BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. - The Gardner-Webb University women's soccer team battled to a result on Wednesday night at Greene-Harbison Stadium, holding two-time defending champions Radford to a 2-2 draw in the Runnin' Bulldog's Big South opener

In the first Big South contest for both teams, the Runnin' Bulldogs got off to an all important good start. After a toe to toe first 23 minutes, GWU found a breakthrough by way of a penalty kick. Senior forward Livi Tanzer stepped up, sent her shot from six yards off the post and over the line, putting the Runnin' Bulldogs into a 1-nil lead. Despite Radford controlling the majority of possession, Gardner-Webb found chances via quick breaks and winning the ball back defensively.

The Highlanders wasted no time finding a response however, drawing the game level at 1-1 by the 29th minute. Another well timed cross and finish on the back-post just minutes after that, meant Radford had gone from behind to ahead by the 35th minute, suddenly in front 2-1.

Gardner-Webb would make the most of its chances though and early in the second half, the Runnin' Bulldogs found a much deserved second goal. Sophomore midfielder Lily Stegall delivered an inch perfect pass to senior midfielder Carina Leal, waiting in the center to fire in the tying goal from the edge of the box. That strike brought the score to 2-2 in the 55th minute.

With a result in grasp, GWU was forced to fend off several Radford chances down the stretch. Sophomore goalkeeper Stephanie Liu played her part, adding to a conference-best mark in total saves with six more on Wednesday night. After one last chance in front of Liu was cleared by the Gardner-Webb defense, the Runnin' Bulldogs could celebrate a hard earned result at home.

"I'm really proud of the performance. I thought it took everybody today" said head coach Erik Solberg. "The Intentionality, the scrappiness, the grittiness to go get the first goal. And then we had a bad five or six minute spell, credit to Radford, they're the two-time defending champs for a reason, but the response by our group in the second half to not falter or waver and go get a second goal, and to hold a lead when we have lost some games late, it was immense. We defended really well except in two moments and have given ourselves an opportunity to use this momentum and carry it forward"

The Runnin' Bulldogs now set sight on Longwood, where GWU will visit on Saturday afternoon, September 28th.