BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. - The Gardner-Webb softball team (27-22, 6-10 Big South) scored a clutch win over visiting Longwood (21-30, 7-8 Big South), riding a gem in the circle to a 1-0 win
The star of the afternoon was senior right-hander
Alli Stidham, who pitched one of the best games of her Gardner-Webb career to give the Runnin' Bulldogs a key Big South victory. Sitdham in total pitched a complete game, scattering five hits, and striking out four, all while doing so on less than 80 pitches
The top of the first was the only time Stidham dealt with trouble on the bases. Back to back singles and an error gave Longwood runners at second and third base with two outs. Stidham got an easy groundout to short to keep Longwood off the scoreboard.
The Saginaw, Texas native only allowed four runners to even reach scoring position across the final six innings of play, one via sacrifice and a couple from wild pitches. With a 1-0 lead, Stidham made quick work of the Lancers in the top of the seventh with back to back groundouts and a strikeout to end it
Gardner-Webb had just four hits in the game, but made the most of its chances with a fourth inning scoring play. Sophomore third baseman
Caitlin Colley swung a hard hit double down the line towards the left field wall, allowing junior pinch runner
Lilly Deaton to score all the way from first for the game's only run
On offense, four Gardner-Webb players combined for the four hits including Stidham, Colley, sophomore second baseman
Reese Collier and senior shortstop
Annicka McLaughlin
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Due to the threat of inclement weather on Saturday, Gardner-Webb and Longwood will take field with an updated start time of 11 am and 1 pm
