Runnin’ Bulldogs Fall in Four-Set Battle at Western Carolina
September 08, 2026 | Volleyball
CULLOWHEE, N.C. – Gardner-Webb volleyball battled Western Carolina on Tuesday evening but ultimately fell to the Catamounts, 3-1, at the Liston B. Ramsey Center.
The Runnin' Bulldogs (4-3) opened the match with a 25-16 setback before responding with a strong second-set performance to even the match at one set apiece with a 25-19 victory. Western Carolina regained the advantage with a 25-21 third-set win before closing out the match with another 25-21 victory in the fourth set.
Gardner-Webb finished the match with 56 kills on 142 attacks while hitting .261 as a team. The Runnin' Bulldogs also recorded 54 assists, six service aces and 61 digs.
Osborne, Slone Lead Gardner-Webb Offense
Nicole Osborne led the Runnin' Bulldogs offensively with 15 kills on 36 attacks while hitting .306. She also recorded 11 digs to contribute on the defensive end.
Sarina Galyean turned in an efficient performance, finishing with 13 kills on 26 attacks and just two errors for a .423 hitting percentage. She also added two digs.
Peyton Slone matched Osborne with 15 kills, finishing with 40 attacks. She added three digs and 15 points.
Alexis Maesch chipped in six kills and an assist, while Parker LaFontaine recorded four kills, two service aces and a block.
Ella Moss added one kill on one attack and recorded two service aces.
Lefebvre Directs Runnin' Bulldogs Offense
Olivia Lefebvre led Gardner-Webb's setting attack with 29 assists while also recording 12 digs.
Aleina Manaois added 17 assists and seven digs as the Runnin' Bulldogs utilized a balanced setting attack throughout the match.
Kiera Vazquez led Gardner-Webb with 11 digs, while Osborne and Lefebvre also reached double figures defensively.
Gardner-Webb Answers After Opening Set
Western Carolina established an early advantage by taking the opening set, 25-16. Gardner-Webb responded in the second set, hitting an impressive .433 as a team while committing just four attack errors to even the match.
The Catamounts took a closely contested third set, 25-21, before Gardner-Webb again battled in the fourth. Western Carolina ultimately secured the final set, 25-21, to claim the 3-1 victory.
UP NEXT
Gardner-Webb returns to action Friday afternoon when the Runnin' Bulldogs host the University of West Georgia at 2 p.m.
The match will continue Gardner-Webb's nonconference schedule as the Runnin' Bulldogs look to return to the win column.
