ASHEVILLE, N.C. - The Gardner-Webb volleyball team (12-18, 3-10 Big South) wrapped up its 2025 road schedule on Saturday afternoon, falling 3-0 at UNC Asheville (9-17, 6-7 Big South)
With a tight 25-22 win in the first set on Saturday afternoon, UNC Asheville took control of the match. The Bulldogs then defeated the Runnin' Bulldogs 25-23 and 25-18 to complete the sweep
In the first set, Gardner-Webb got off to good start, jumping in front 14-11. Freshman outside hitter
Haedyn Crumbley paced the Runnin' Bulldogs early with a pair of kills, allowing GWU to take an early advantage. Junior outside hitter
Nicole Osborne was crucial as well with four first-set kills. A 9-2 run by UNC Asheville flipped the script, and despite another late kill from Osborne, the Runnin' Bulldogs dropped the first set 25-22
The second set saw Gardner-Webb again jump out to a lead, before UNC Asheville rallied late on. This time, pushed on by a service ace from graduate libero
Nalani McBride, got out in front 5-2. Freshman middle
Madison DeMink was in on the action as well with a late kill, ensuring Gardner-Webb led as late as 20-19. Redshirt junior outside hitter had just one kill in the second but had perhaps the biggest to bring the match to a 22-22 tie, before UNC Asheville notched the last two points for a 2-0 match lead
Aside from 1-0, UNC Asheville never trailed in the third. The Runnin' Bulldogs allowed both a 4-0 and a 5-0 run, as UNC Asheville took control and eventually swept the match. Sophomore outside hitter
Caroline Franklin did help bring GWU back to within one at just 18-17 with two late kills, before another 4-0 run saw the match come to a close. Franklin posted three kills in the final set
LEADERS
McBride continues to close in on the school record for digs after posting 19 on Saturday, just 28 back of the program all-time mark. Junior middle
Milla Lugo led GWU with seven kills and two blocks, and sophomore setter
Olivia Lefebvre recorded a team-high 14 assists
UP NEXT
Gardner-Webb closes the 2025 regular season at home on Friday night, November 14th against Winthrop
