BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – The Gardner-Webb (0-6) women's lacrosse team dropped a 14-9 decision to visiting Butler (3-5) on Wednesday afternoon inside Spangler Stadium.

The Runnin' Bulldogs came out strong early, trading goals with Butler in an evenly played opening quarter. Addi Cook opened the scoring for Gardner-Webb off an assist from Emma Duchscherer, and Jules Brown followed with an unassisted goal to give the Runnin' Bulldogs an early advantage. After Butler answered, Jazmyn Morris converted a free-position opportunity late in the first quarter to put Gardner-Webb back in front before the teams entered the second quarter tied at 3–3.

Gardner-Webb regained the lead early in the second period when Maddie Tredway finished a feed from Duchscherer to make it 5–4. However, Butler responded with a strong run late in the half, scoring three straight goals to take an 8–5 lead into the break.

The visitors extended their advantage in the third quarter with two more goals, pushing the margin to five heading into the final period.

The Runnin' Bulldogs continued to battle in the fourth quarter, cutting into the deficit with key goals from Morris and Jonni Saluppo, both set up by Duchscherer. Brown later added her third goal of the afternoon as Gardner-Webb fought to close the gap late in the contest.

Brown led the Bulldogs with three goals, while Morris and Cook each added two. Duchscherer played a key role in the offense, recording four assists on the day. Tredway and Saluppo also found the back of the net to round out the scoring for Gardner-Webb.

Defensively, Gardner-Webb collected 14 ground balls and forced several key turnovers while matching Butler with 12 draw controls in the contest.

Gardner-Webb continues its three-game homestand on Friday, March 13 as it plays host to Quinnipiac. First draw control is set for 7 p.m.