BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. - The Gardner-Webb University softball team took the field for its final home non-conference match-up of the year on Wednesday afternoon at Brinkley Stadium, falling 8-0 to visiting App State

The Runnin' Bulldogs got off to a rocky start on Wednesday, with App State sending two solo home runs over the wall in left on the first three pitches, building a 2-0 lead after one.

With the starter relieved, junior Alli Stidham stepped into the circle to keep the Runnin' Bulldogs in the game. Stidham got GWU out of the first without anymore damage, and eventually finished off 5.0 innings, striking out five, and keeping App State off the board again until the fifth inning.

Up 4-0 heading into the seventh, App State would put the game away with a four run top half of the inning, doubling its lead to 8-0 and bringing the game to its final score.

Gardner-Webb saw its best chances to score in the fifth and seventh innings but was unable to mount a serious rally. In the bottom of the fifth, junior second baseman Annicka McLaughlin hit an infield single with one out, eventually advancing to second before a deep flyout ended the threat. In the bottom of the seventh, sophomore first baseman Carmen McRae singled to short to begin the inning. Junior Haley Yeary stepped in to run, moving to second on a wild pitch before the 'Dawgs were retired from there in order.

For the game, Gardner-Webb collected four hits from four different players, including McLaughlin, McRae, junior catcher Taylor Dreher and junior Maura Pendleton who entered as a late inning outfield sub.

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The Runnin' Bulldogs are back in Big South play over the weekend, visiting Presbyterian for a Saturday doubleheader and a single game on Sunday afternoon, April 12th and 13th