CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Gardner-Webb softball team (23-9) led early on Wednesday afternoon before a late rally by Queens saw the Runnin' Bulldogs fall 4-3

Gardner-Webb led nearly right away on Wednesday afternoon, quickly getting on the board in the top of the first inning. Part of what eventually turned into a career day, sophomore second baseman Reese Collier homered to center for a 1-0 GWU lead.

Collier made it 2-0 in the top of the second, with an RBI single to left, easily scoring senior shortstop Annicka McLaughlin from third base

With a passed ball in the bottom of the second, Queens cut into the Gardner-Webb lead, 2-1. Collier stepped back up to the plate and got that run back in the top of the fifth, again homering to center field for her second home run of the day and ninth of the season. Through four and half, the Runnin' Bulldogs held a 3-1 lead

In the bottom of the fifth, Queens responded to take the lead. The Royals scored one run via a wild pitch then, took the lead on a two-run home run with one out. After five, Gardner-Webb found itself behind, 4-3

The Runnin' Bulldogs got a one-out double in the top of the sixth, then put runners on the first and second in the top of the seventh but were unable to drive in the tying run in a 4-3 defeat

In the circle for Gardner-Webb, senior right-hander Alli Stidham pitched the majority of the innings in defeat, tossing 4.2 innings, allowing four runs, walking two and striking out eight batters

At the plate, Collier finished 3-for-4 with three RBI, two runs scored, and two home runs, while McLaughlin was 2-for-3 with a run scored and senior designated player Taylor Dreher was 2-for-3

UP NEXT
Gardner-Webb is back in action on Friday, March 20th and Saturday, March 21st as Big Souh play continues at Winthrop