Gardner-Webb University
9-6,0-1Big South
Winthrop
5-5,1-0Big South
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winthrop | 25 | 12 | 25 | 25 | 3 |
| Gardner-Webb | 17 | 25 | 18 | 23 | 1 |
Gardner-Webb Drops Conference Opener Against Winthrop
September 26, 2026 | Volleyball
BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. — The Gardner-Webb volleyball team battled throughout its Big South Conference opener Saturday afternoon, but fell 3-1 (17-25, 25-12, 18-25, 23-25) to Winthrop at Paul Porter Arena.
The Runnin' Bulldogs fall to 9-6 overall and 0-1 in Big South play. Winthrop is 5-5 overall and 1-0 in the league.
The Runnin' Bulldogs came out strong in the second set, responding after Winthrop claimed the opening frame. Gardner-Webb used a dominant offensive performance to hit .500 in the set, committing just one attack error while recording 10 kills to even the match at one set apiece.
Gardner-Webb continued to battle in the third set before Winthrop regained the lead. The Runnin' Bulldogs then put together another strong effort in the fourth, recording 15 kills and fighting back from an early deficit to pull within two points at 24-22. Winthrop ultimately closed out the match, 25-23.
Peyton Slone led the Runnin' Bulldogs offensively with eight kills, while Sarina Galyean added seven kills and Samia Sayd and Caroline Franklin each finished with six. Milla Lugo and Franklin each recorded three blocks, while Galyean also added three blocks.
Olivia Lefebvre led Gardner-Webb with 17 assists, while Aleina Manaois added 15. Ella Moss paced the defense with 14 digs, followed by Manaois with 10 and Isabel Sandstrum with nine. Sandstrum also recorded a team-high three service aces.
Gardner-Webb finished the match with 41 kills and a .171 hitting percentage, while Winthrop recorded 57 kills and hit .212. The Runnin' Bulldogs also held a 7-3 advantage in service aces in the match.
UP NEXT
- Gardner-Webb continues Big South play next weekend with a pair of home matches at Paul Porter Arena.
- The Runnin' Bulldogs host Presbyterian on Friday, Oct. 2 followed by a match against Charleston Southern.
- The matches are scheduled for 6 and 4 p.m. starts, respectively, from Paul Porter Arena.
