DELAND, FLA - The Gardner-Webb women's soccer team traveled south to open the 2025 season on Thursday night, but were ultimately unable to overcome a Stetson goal just after halftime, with the home side taking a 1-0 victory

After a nearly two-hour weather delay, Stetson and Gardner-Webb took the pitch for a first half that consisted of limited action in a balanced game. The Hatters led the Runnin' Bulldogs 7-4 in shots at the halftime break, with one finding the target for GWU and six finding the frame for Stetson.

Inside the first half hour, junior freshman Olivia Tribolet had perhaps the best chance for the Runnin' Bulldogs. With a turn off her defender to create space, Tribolet sent one just over the Stetson crossbar in the 23rd minute.

In the 32nd minute, sophomore midfielder Gigi Sweet got loose for the only shot on target for GWU, seeing an effort from close range saved in the middle of the goal.

Senior goalkeeper Savannah Dixon proved key for the Runnin' Bulldogs with a string of good saves. The Raleigh, N.C. native made six first half saves, and eight for the game in total, including her first in the 9th minute where an outstretched fist kept Stetson off the board early.

The Hatters would break through in the 52nd minute via a corner kick to take a 1-0 lead but Gardner-Webb picked up its play following the goal. Tribolet once again created enough havoc in behind where GWU won a free kick from the edge of the area that was just high.

Freshman forward Julia McBride and senior defender Camila Lezcano also shared the bulk of some good Gardner-Webb work in the attacking third, with the pair linking up on a couple of occasions to produce a couple of shots for GWU.

The Runnin' Bulldogs won a free kick in the final minute deep inside the Stetson half of the field, but a scramble for the ball came up empty as Gardner-Webb fell 1-0 on the road.

LEADERS
Statistical leaders for GWU include Dixon with the previously mentioned eight saves, Lezcano with three shots, and Sweet with the lone shot on target. Five players for GWU played the full 90 minute game including Dixon, sophomore defender Tanner Michael, senior midfielder Myla West, freshman defender Lauren Cancio, and senior midfielder Peyton Bryant

UP NEXT
Gardner-Webb faces a quick turnaround, traveling back to North Carolina on Sunday, August 17th to face Queens on the road. The first meeting between the two sides as Division I foes kicks off in Charlotte at 6:00 p.m. and will stream live on ESPN Plus.