SPARTANBURG, S.C. - The Gardner-Webb women's soccer team (4-7-3, 3-1-2 Big South) extended its shutout streak to five straight games on Saturday night, in turn scoring its most important win of the season, a 1-0 triumph at USC Upstate (8-6-1, 5-2-0 Big South)

There was no shortage of good attacking play between Gardner-Webb and USC Upstate on Saturday night but the contest would really come down to two key moments, one early on offense and one late on the defensive end.

GWU began strong, striking the post in the 8th minute and having a couple chances just ahead for offside in the opening 15 minutes. The Dawgs finally struck gold in the 18th minute, with junior forward Olivia Tribolet playing down a long ball, sneaking behind the defense and finding space to shoot to her right. With the ball in the back of the net, Gardner-Webb grabbed a 1-0 road lead.

With the lead in hand, it was up to the Runnin' Bulldogs defense to step up, and they did in the biggest way. USC Upstate pelted the Gardner-Webb net with 24 shots, including 11 on target. Of her season-best 11 saves, none was bigger for senior goalkeeper Savannah Dixon than in the 56th minute. With a penalty given for handball, Dixon dove left and got a paw on the Upstate penalty attempt, preserving the Gardner-Webb lead. Dixon later on made three saves inside the final 10 minutes, as the Runnin' Bulldogs held on for the win.

With the win, Gardner-Webb moves into fourth place in the Big South standings on 11 points with two games remaining, records a new program record fifth straight shutout, and has recorded back to back road results in Big South play for the first time under Head Coach Erik Solberg

LEADERS
Dixon reached a new career and season high with 11 saves and her fifth clean sheet, junior midfielder Lily Stegall led GWU with three shots in 49 minutes, while senior defender Camila Lezcano, senior defender Peyton Bryant, sophomore defender Tanner Michael and freshman defender Sarah Birchall all played the full 90 minutes

UP NEXT
Gardner-Webb is back in non-conference play on Wednesday, October 22nd to host VMI. Kickoff is set for 4 pm