Gardner-Webb Drops Conference Opener Against Winthrop

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.

Official response and confirmed impact

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.