MACON, GA - The Gardner-Webb women's soccer team was back in action on Sunday afternoon, suffering a 5-0 defeat on the road at Mercer

The Runnin' Bulldogs got off to a slow start at Mercer on Sunday afternoon, with the hosts largely in control of the possession and the shots. Senior goalkeeper Savannah Dixon was excellent early in turning away the Bears, with a pair of early saves.

Mercer did eventually break through however, scoring both in the 14th and 18th minutes to take an early 2-0 lead. GWU responded well despite the deficit, with senior defender Camila Lezcano and senior forward Kaitlyn Huff producing two Mercer saves in the moments following the second Mercer.

Despite a couple late chances for GWU, most notably through freshman forward Julia McBride, Mercer added a third goal in the 27th minute, eventually taking a 3-0 lead into halftime. 

Gardner-Webb continued to fire in a handful of chances early in the second half, with Lezcano sending one high in the 47th minute, freshman midfielder Ellie Breitenstein producing a Mercer save in the 58th minute, and freshman forward Asza Leighton doing the same in the 81st minute.

Mercer would add two goals in the final 10 minutes, scoring in the 82nd minute and 85th minute to take a 5-0 lead that would hold to the final whistle.

LEADERS
Lezcano finished with a team-high three shots, while McBride and freshman midfielder Katie Stefanovski were the only other Runnin' Bulldogs players with multiple, recording two. Dixon finished with a game-high eight saves for Gardner-Webb, her second-most in a game so far this season.

UP NEXT
The Runnin' Bulldogs return to the pitch on Thursday, September 11th at College of Charleston. Kickoff is set for 7 pm