GREENSBORO, N.C. - The Gardner-Webb volleyball team wrapped up its tournament weekend at UNC Greensboro on Saturday afternoon, suffering a 3-1 loss to the tournament hosts

Despite the eventual defeat, Gardner-Webb got off to a dream start on Saturday afternoon, taking an exciting 27-25 first set. The two teams traded blows for the entire duration of the set, with neither side able to take a lead of more than three points.

The Runnin' Bulldogs wound up down 24-21 in the set before scoring six of the last seven points for a stunning comeback. Junior outside hitter Emma Kerwin and sophomore right side Samia Sayd combined to score four of those six points, before redshirt junior outside hitter Serena Kohler notched a set-winning service ace.

UNC Greensboro dominated the second and third sets by identical 25-12 scores, before a narrow 25-22 decision in the fourth. Gardner-Webb trailed for large portions of the fourth set before rallying back to make the score 21-18 after six straight points.

Kohler would notch another service ace in the sequence while freshman middle Madison DeMink scored one of the first kills of her college career. Despite one last Gardner-Webb rally from down 24-20, UNC Greensboro closed the set and the victory moments later.

LEADERS
Junior outside hitter Emma Kerwin played a major role for the Runnin' Bulldogs early, notching five kills in the first set including the first point of the game for GWU and the point that got the Dawgs to match point late on. The South Riding, Va. native finished with six for the game.

Also posting a solid game, Sayd recorded a team-high 11 kills for Gardner-Webb, while graduate libero Nalani McBride led GWU with 26 digs. Junior middle Milla Lugor recorded four blocks for the Runnin' Bulldogs, while sophomore setter Olivia Lefebvre led with 18 assists, second most in the contest overall.

UP NEXT
The Runnin' Bulldogs take a quick break from any early season tournaments, visiting NC Central on Tuesday, September 2nd at 7 pm