BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. - The Gardner-Webb University softball team took the field to open its 2025 season on Friday afternoon, falling 4-2 to West Georgia before then seeing a second contest against Howard called for rain in the middle of the second inning
At Brinkley Stadium on Friday afternoon, the Runnin' Bulldogs would battle back from down two runs early before a late surge by visiting West Georgia turned the tide for good. Gardner-Webb was held without a hit through the first 3.1 innings, by which point West Georgia built a 2-0 lead thanks to two huge plays, an RBI single in the first and an RBI double in the fifth.
After forcing a ground-out to strand a West Georgia runner at third in the top of the fifth, the Runnin' Bulldogs answered with an offensive surge for the first time this season. Sophomore left fielder
Trina Van Dyke drove in junior second baseman
Annicka McLaughlin on a fielders choice with two outs, cutting the West Georgia lead to 2-1. Gardner-Webb then battled back to tie the game at 2-2 in the bottom of the sixth, when junior shortstop
Ella Christopher doubled home junior first baseman
Bella Ligotti from first base.
The GWU comeback was helped on by junior left hand pitcher
Kalyn Kyle who entered the circle in the top of the sixth and sat West Georgia down in order in a one-run game, giving the Runnin' Bulldogs a chance in the late innings. Kyle would finish the game with 2.0 innings pitched, a pair of earned runs and three strikeouts, while junior right hand pitcher
Alli Stidham picked up a no-decision after 5.0 innings, four hits, two earned and three strikeouts as the opening day starter.
On to the top of the seventh however, where West Georgia retook the lead for good. With two sacrifice bunts and a single back up the box, the visiting Wolves sent six batters to the plate, capitalized to score two runs, and turn the tide back to put Gardner-Webb in a 4-2 hole with three outs to work with. The Runnin' Bulldogs would manage a one out hit in the bottom of the seventh, but were unable to come from behind again in a 4-2 loss.
Gardner-Webb then moved on to play Howard just 30 minutes later. The Runnin' Bulldogs and Bison entered the bottom of the second inning in a 2-2 tie before weather forced the teams off the field. After discussion, the contest was called and will not be rescheduled.
The 'Dawgs return to action on Saturday afternoon in the Runnin' Bulldog Classic, taking on West Georgia again at 3 p.m. followed by Drexel at 5:30 p.m. inside Brinkley Stadium.
