BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Gardner-Webb (0-9) women's lacrosse battled early but ultimately fell to Charlotte (6-4), 24-6, on Saturday afternoon at Spangler Stadium.

The Runnin' Bulldogs showed strong energy out of the gate, trading blows with the 49ers throughout the opening quarter. After falling behind 2-0, Gardner-Webb responded with a 3-0 run behind goals from Maddie Tredway, Emma Duchscherer, and Addi Cook to take a 3-2 lead. Tredway added another late in the period as the Runnin' Bulldogs kept things within reach, trailing just 6-4 after the first 15 minutes.

Charlotte seized control in the second quarter, using a dominant stretch to pull away. The 49ers outscored Gardner-Webb 7-0 in the period, capitalizing on draw controls and offensive efficiency to take a 13-4 lead into halftime.

Despite the deficit, the Runnin' Bulldogs continued to compete in the second half. Tredway completed her hat trick in the third quarter, while Duchscherer added her second goal of the game in the fourth. However, Charlotte maintained its momentum throughout, finishing the game with 51 shots and controlling the draw circle to secure the 24-6 result.

Tredway led Gardner-Webb with three goals and an assist, while Duchscherer added two goals. Cook also found the back of the net, and the Runnin' Bulldogs received assists from McKensie Gehris, Jules Brown, and Tredway.

Defensively, Gardner-Webb saw a strong effort in goal, combining for 13 saves, including 11 from Emma Anderson. The Runnin' Bulldogs also held their own on the ground with 19 ground balls, led by Anderson's team-high nine.

Gardner-Webb will return to action on Saturday, March 28, playing host to Wofford in the Big South opener. First draw control is set for 5 p.m.