BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Gardner-Webb (1-13, 1-4) lacrosse battled early but was unable to keep pace with Mercer (8-6, 5-0) in a 17–4 loss on Wednesday afternoon at Spangler Stadium.

The Runnin' Bulldogs showed fight in the opening quarter, responding after Mercer scored the game's first two goals. Emma Duchscherer got Gardner-Webb on the board midway through the period off an assist from Maddie Tredway, and Jazmyn Morris followed with a goal just minutes later to pull the Bulldogs within one at 3–2. Mercer added another late score to take a 4–2 lead after the first quarter.

Mercer extended its advantage in the second quarter, but Gardner-Webb continued to find offensive opportunities. Katie Westbrook scored midway through the period and Morris added her second goal of the game shortly after to cut the deficit to 8–4. The Bears responded with two goals in the final three minutes of the half, taking a 10–4 lead into the break.

The Runnin' Bulldogs were held scoreless in the second half as Mercer controlled possession and capitalized on several free-position opportunities. The Bears added five goals in the third quarter and two more in the fourth to secure the win.

Morris led the Gardner-Webb offense with two goals, while Duchscherer and Westbrook each added a score. Tredway and McKensie Gehris recorded assists. Defensively, the Bulldogs were active in the midfield with Gehris collecting three ground balls, while Abby Consaul added three caused turnovers.

Goalkeeper Emma Anderson made 14 saves in net for Gardner-Webb as the Runnin' Bulldogs faced 42 Mercer shots.

The Runnin' Bulldogs return to action on Saturday, April 18, hitting the road to take on the Lancers of Longwood. Game time is set for 12 p.m.