BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. - The Gardner-Webb women's soccer team (4-8-3, 3-1-2 Big South) saw its five game unbeaten run and five game shutout streak snapped on Wednesday afternoon, as the Runnin' Bulldogs fell 2-0 to VMI (2-15-1, 0-8-0 SoCon)

It wouldn't be for a lack of shot attempts on Wednesday afternoon for Gardner-Webb, with the Runnin' Bulldogs tallying 20, including 10 on frame, to just 11 and 7 on frame for VMI. It was the visiting Keydets however who took both chances, as GWU fell 2-0

Freshman forward Julia McBride was a live-wire early for Gardner-Webb, forcing two saves out of VMI inside the opening 10 minutes. Another freshman, this time freshman forward Ila Allred was presented with a great chance and pushed it just wide after a goalkeeping error in the 24th minute.

Freshman forward Taryn Pekala nearly gave the Runnin' Bulldogs the lead in the 44th minute, seeing her near post effort pushed away just before halftime.

VMI took advantage of its chances, and made Gardner-Webb pay early in the second half. After a handball in the box, Riley Boucher stepped up to give the Keydets a 1-0 lead in the 64th minute.

The Keydets made it 2-0 and nearly had a third not long after, if not for a great save from senior goalkeeper Savannah Dixon in the 69th minute. VMI scored its second off the inside of the post in the 67th minute.

Gardner-Webb had chances to get back in the game late, including another from Allred right in front of goal and a free kick from junior midfielder Leanna Saleh struck on frame, but VMI held on to hand the Runnin' Bulldogs a home defeat

LEADERS
McBride led GWU with five shots, two on goal in a season-high 59 minutes, freshman forward Ella Meccia with 69 minutes and freshman defender Emma O'Rourke with 37 minutes also posted season-highs in minutes plated, while Dixon made four saves in net

UP NEXT
The Runnin' Bulldogs visit High Point for another crucial Big South contest, scheduled for Saturday, October 25th at 4 pm