DAVIDSON, NC – In a midweek matchup between schools separated by just 65 miles, Davidson defeated Gardner-Webb on Thursday night by a final score of 2-0 in nonconference action from Alumni Soccer Stadium in Davidson, NC The Wildcats’ Brooke Ditcham scored both goals in the first half of the game, which ultimately provided them with the necessary cushion to notch the decision.
“Early goals can change a game and it affected us tonight,” said the head coach Mike Varga. “We showed a lot of effort during the match tonight, especially in the second half as we tried to fight back into it.”
Fresh off a two-goal performance her last time out, Gardner-Webb’s Maddie Turlington was inches away from tallying the first goal of the night for either team off a free kick in the 20th minute. The shot beat the keeper, but bounced off the frame, denying the Runnin’ Bulldogs the early opportunity.
Davidson answered, tallying their first of the day in the 27th minute after Mitchum came on the field as a substitute 11 seconds before the opening goal. She then went on to post her second of the day five minutes later off an assist from teammate Sophia Caruso.
Kiera Gibson started for the Runnin’ Bulldogs and collected six saves during the contest, all in the first half. Varga turned to Chloe Leffler for the final 45 of the evening, with the freshman making four saves while allowing no goals in her strong collegiate debut.
“We were able to rotate a lot of our newer girls into the lineup, giving them a taste of the speed of the college game,” said Varga.
Gardner-Webb used 22 players during the game, giving six different players their first regular season minutes on the field with the team as they continue to gain experience at the beginning of the year.
“Sunday will be an important test for us as we prepare for the conference schedule as we look to learn how to recover quickly and play on the road,” Varga concluded.
The Runnin’ Bulldogs travel to Charleston, SC to play The Citadel on Sunday, August 28 at 2 pm with the match available to watch on ESPN+. This will be the final nonconference road game of the season for Gardner-Webb.