BANNER ELK, N.C. - The Gardner-Webb volleyball team (11-15, 2-7 Big South) rolled to a 3-0 sweep on Tuesday night, defeating Lees-McRae (10-15, 9-6 Conference Carolinas) on the road

In a rowdy road environment, the Runnin' Bulldogs would be forced to weather an early storm en route to an eventual sweep. Gardner-Webb trailed as late as 15-14, before closing out the first set in strong order. Back against her former school, junior outside hitter Nicole Osborne recorded three early kills for GWU. Not allowing Lees-McRae to get back within a point, Gardner-Webb was able to close a first set win thanks to back to back hitting errors on the Bobcats

Gardner-Webb again rallied in the second, this time down as many as 11-8. Osbourne was again at the center of the comeback with a pair of second set kills, but the Dawgs also got a big contribution from junior middle Milla Lugo with three kills. Back in front 23-21, freshman outside hitter Haedyn Crumbley and redshirt freshman right side Alexis Maesch went back to back to close a 25-22 win

After two tight sets to open the contest, Gardner-Webb made easier work of Lees-McRae in the third to finish the game. One kill from Lugo, an ace from Osbourne and three attacking errors allowed the Runnin' Bulldogs to jump right out to a 5-1 lead. Lugo, Maesch and Osborne continued big individual nights to eventually extend the GWU lead to 15-9. The Bobcats closed to as few as three, but sophomore setter Olivia Lefebvre wrapped up a 25-17 win and a 3-0 sweep with one last ace

LEADERS
Lugo posted a big game on both offense and defense with eight kills, five digs and three block assists, Osborne joined with eight kills, nine digs, Lefebvre led the Runnin' Bulldogs with 15 assists, and graduate libero Nalani McBride finished with 17 digs

FROM ASSISTANT COACH MATT HAMILTON
I was really happy with our performance tonight. Lees-McRae came out with a lot of energy and I thought we were able to weather the storm early and continue to get efficient offensive production from multiple players in key moments

UP NEXT
The Runnin' Bulldogs return to action Friday night inside Paul Porter Arena, hosting Charleston Southern