CARROLLTON, GA - The Gardner-Webb softball team (16-8) led late Friday evening at West Georgia, but eventually dropped the first of a three-game weekend set, 5-4

Early on, sophomore second baseman was doing the lion share of the damage for Gardner-Webb. Continuing what's been an excellent first season at GWU, Collier mashed a home run to left to open the scoring in the top of the first inning. She'd add an RBI single in the third to give Gardner-Webb a 2-1 lead

The middle of the GWU order continued to swing a hot bat after Collier in the top of the third, with senior designated player Alli Stidham recording an RBI double. Through three, Gardner-Webb held a 3-1 lead

After West Georgia tied the game at 3-3 in the bottom of the fourth, the Runnin' Bulldogs would have to wait until the top of the sixth to answer. Freshman pinch hitter LY Forte reached on a single to deep shortstop, allowing senior catcher Taylor Dreher to score unearned and give GWU a 4-3 lead

With a throwing error allowing the tying run to score and an RBI single to follow, West Georgia flipped the script with two runs in the bottom of the sixth, en route to an eventual 5-4 decision over the Dawgs

Five Gardner-Webb players recorded at least one hit in the contest, while Collier stood out going 2-for-3 with two runs, two RBI and a walk. In the circle meanwhile, freshman right-hander Glenna McLamb pitched 6.0 innings, allowed four earned runs, but struck out a career-best eight batters

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The Runnin' Bulldogs are back on the diamond on Saturday, with a doubleheader at West Georgia scheduled for 1 pm and 3 pm