Gardner-Webb University
16-11,6-6Big South
Radford
14-12,8-4Big South
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radford | 28 | 18 | 23 | 27 | 1 |
| Gardner-Webb | 26 | 25 | 25 | 29 | 3 |
November 06, 2026 | Volleyball
BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – The Gardner-Webb volleyball team celebrated Senior Night in historic fashion Friday evening, defeating Radford 3-1 (26-28, 25-18, 25-23, 29-27) at Paul Porter Arena. The victory marked the 16th win of the season for the Runnin' Bulldogs, setting a new program record for victories in the Division I era. Gardner-Webb also clinched its first berth in the Big South Conference Tournament since 2023, marking the first postseason appearance under head coach Alex Hinsey.
Gardner-Webb improves to 16-11 overall and 6-6 in Big South play with the victory. Emma Kerwin led the Runnin' Bulldogs with a match-high 22 kills and five service aces. Milla Lugo added 14 kills while hitting an impressive .481, and Nicole Osborne contributed eight kills.
Caroline Franklin paced the defensive effort at the net with seven blocks, while Ella Moss led the team with 17 digs. Olivia Lefebvre finished with 24 assists, and Aleina Manaois added 18 assists.
The victory also marked a special evening for the Runnin' Bulldogs as Gardner-Webb recognized seniors Emma Kerwin, Milla Lugo and Nicole Osborne, along with graduate assistant Ashleigh Nicoll, prior to the match.
HOW IT HAPPENED
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First Set: Radford claimed the opening set in a tightly contested battle, edging Gardner-Webb 28-26. Both teams traded points throughout the frame before the Highlanders secured the opening-set victory.
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Second Set: Gardner-Webb responded with an early 2-0 advantage, highlighted by a Lugo kill and an Osborne service ace. After Radford evened the score, the Runnin' Bulldogs gradually built their lead, moving ahead 8-4 and continuing to apply pressure. Gardner-Webb maintained control down the stretch, closing out the set 25-18 to even the match. Gardner-Webb recorded 12 kills while hitting .333 in the frame.
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Third Set: The two teams traded points throughout another competitive frame. Radford held a late 18-16 advantage, but Gardner-Webb responded with a strong finish, rallying to take the set 25-23 and move within one set of the match victory.
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Fourth Set: The Runnin' Bulldogs battled through a back-and-forth fourth set, eventually reaching four match points before finally putting the match away. After Radford fought off multiple opportunities to end the contest, Emma Kerwin delivered the finishing touch with her fifth service ace of the night to seal the 29-27 set victory and secure the 3-1 match win for Gardner-Webb.
UP NEXT
- Gardner-Webb returns to Paul Porter Arena on Saturday hosting Big South leader High Point in its final home match of the regular season.
- First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m.
Editor's Note: The first-set score was incorrectly entered in the official box score. Radford won the opening set, 28-26. The box score will be updated to reflect the correct score.
