CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Gardner-Webb University softball team closed its 2025 season on a high note on Wednesday afternoon in Charlotte, defeating Queens University by a 5-2 final

In victory, the Runnin' Bulldogs scored all five runs in the top of the fourth inning, then shut the door on the Royals in the seventh to finish the contest Junior pitcher Alli Stidham did the job in relief, with 6.0 strong innings in the circle and one run allowed.

At the plate, junior center fielder Emily Garcia started the scoring by reaching on a fielder's choice. Sophomore first baseman Carmen McRae tied the game at 1-1 after scoring on a poor throw from shortstop to the plate.

The Runnin' Bulldogs turned to sophomore second baseman Lilly Deaton to take the lead. In her third start of the season, Deaton did enough on a ball hit to short, scoring junior shortstop Ella Christopher for a 2-1, GWU lead.

Sophomore left fielder Trina Van Dyke then continued an excellent finish to the season individually, hitting a double down the line towards right. Senior right fielder Jamie Suppa, in her first start of the season, scored without a play to extend the 'Dawgs advantage to 3-1.

The big fourth inning continued with back-to-back singles, as Gardner-Webb opened a 5-1 lead. Senior catcher Jailyn Tineo singled through the left side ahead of graduate third baseman Araceli Pesqueira who sent a base hit to center, sending Van Dyke and Tineo home on consecutive plays. 

Queens would put a handful of runners on base in the seventh, but some swift GWU defense allowed the Runnin' Bulldogs to limit the damage and close out a 5-2 win.

For the game, Gardner-Webb scored five runs on eight hits by six different players, including Tineo and Christopher with two each, while Christopher added a walk to reach three times.