Gardner-Webb University
11-6,2-1Big South
Charleston Southern
8-8,0-3Big South
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston So. | 24 | 25 | 25 | 12 | 16 | 2 |
| Gardner-Webb | 26 | 19 | 22 | 25 | 18 | 3 |
Runnin' Bulldogs Battle Back to Win Five-Set Marathon
October 03, 2026 | Volleyball
BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – The Gardner-Webb volleyball team battled back from a 2-1 deficit to defeat Charleston Southern, 3-2 (26-24, 19-25, 22-25, 25-12, 18-16), Saturday afternoon inside Paul Porter Arena.
With the victory, the Runnin' Bulldogs improve to 11-6 overall and 2-1 in Big South Conference play, while Charleston Southern falls to 8-8 overall and 0-3 in conference action.
Gardner-Webb opened the match by edging Charleston Southern in a back-and-forth first set. The Runnin' Bulldogs overcame a late deficit to take the opening frame, 26-24, and grab an early 1-0 lead.
Charleston Southern responded by taking the next two sets. The Buccaneers claimed the second set, 25-19, before hitting .536 in the third set to take a 2-1 advantage with a 25-22 win.
Facing a must-win fourth set, Gardner-Webb responded emphatically. The Runnin' Bulldogs hit .480 with 12 kills and no attack errors in the frame, cruising to a 25-12 victory and forcing a decisive fifth set.
The fifth set provided a fitting conclusion to the tightly contested afternoon. Gardner-Webb and Charleston Southern battled throughout the frame before the Runnin' Bulldogs eventually secured an 18-16 victory to complete the comeback.
Sarina Galyean led the Gardner-Webb attack with 14 kills, while Caroline Franklin added 10 kills and three blocks. Milla Lugo turned in an efficient performance with eight kills without committing an attack error, finishing with a team-best .533 hitting percentage and five blocks.
Olivia Lefebvre directed the offense with 27 assists, while Aleina Manaois added 20 assists and 12 digs. Ella Moss anchored the defensive effort with a match-high 16 digs.
As a team, Gardner-Webb finished with a .271 hitting percentage and held advantages over Charleston Southern in kills (61-58), blocks (9-6) and digs (67-61).
UP NEXT
- The Runnin' Bulldogs hit the road for their next two matches, beginning Friday at High Point.
- First serve is set for 6 p.m.
