BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. — Gardner-Webb (2-15, 2-6) closed out its regular season on Saturday with a determined second-half push, battling back after an early deficit before falling 13-9 to Furman (9-8, 5-3) at Spangler Stadium.
After Furman jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the opening quarter, the Runnin' Bulldogs answered with composure. Addi Cook put Gardner-Webb on the board late in the first off a Jazmyn Morris assist, cutting into the early momentum and giving the home side a spark heading into the second.
The second quarter belonged to the visitors as Furman outscored the Runnin' Bulldogs 4-1 while taking a comfortable 7-2 lead into the intermission.
The Dawgs delivered their best stretch of the afternoon in the third quarter, scoring four times in a little over five minutes to put Furman on its heels. Maddie Tredway ignited the run with a free-position goal before Abby Hardiman converted another free-position opportunity. Tredway struck again moments later, and Emma Duchscherer capped the surge to trim the deficit to 9-6 heading into the fourth.
Tredway led the way offensively with a hat trick while also controlling the draw circle with five draw controls. Duchscherer added two goals on two shots, making the most of her opportunities, and Gardner-Webb's attack showed efficiency on free-position chances, converting 5-of-8 attempts.
Despite Furman creating separation in the final quarter, the Runnin' Bulldogs kept pressing. Katie Westbrook and Duchscherer each scored in the fourth, and Jules Brown added a late free-position goal to close the scoring. Gardner-Webb outscored Furman 7-5 across the second half.
Defensively, goalkeeper Emma Anderson turned in another busy afternoon between the pipes, recording 13 saves while facing 33 shots, repeatedly keeping Gardner-Webb within striking distance.
