BOWLING GREEN, KY - The Gardner-Webb University softball team headed out on the road Sunday for the first time in 2025, dropping both ends of doubleheader action at the Hilltopper Classic, first to Bradley then to hosts Western Kentucky

GAME ONE - Bradley 6, Gardner-Webb 1
Sunday's action began with a neutral site showdown with Bradley, where three big innings from the Braves gave way to a 6-1 Gardner-Webb defeat. Bradley scored two runs each in the first, third and sixth innings.

For the Runnin' Bulldogs, graduate third baseman Araceli Pesqueira gave GWU its only run in the top of the fifth inning, hooking a solo home run down the left field line for third long ball of the season so far.

In the seven inning contest, the Runnin' Bulldogs managed one run on three hits. In the circle, freshman pitcher Anna Hornbaker handled the back-half of the game in relief, tossing 3.0 innings and striking out three batters

GAME TWO - Western Kentucky 9, Gardner-Webb 1
In the late game, hosts Western Kentucky used a four run second inning and a three run fourth, as Gardner-Webb fell 9-1 in six innings.

After allowing a run in the bottom of the first, the 'Dawgs did strike back to tie the game in the top of the second inning. Sophomore catcher Carmen McRae notched an RBI on a ground out, allowing junior shortstop Ella Christopher to score from third and tie the game at 1-1.

Western Kentucky then took the lead back in the bottom of the second, scoring all four runs without the ball leaving the infield, and leaving Gardner-Webb in a three-run hole that the 'Dawgs wouldn't be able to climb out of.

In the second game, Gardner-Webb finished with one run on three hits, with Christopher and junior outfielder Maura Pendleton combining for three of the Runnin' Bulldogs five total base runners in the contest.

UP NEXT
The Hilltopper Classic resumes on Monday, February 24th with a 12:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. doubleheader, once again against Bradley and Western Kentucky