by Ellen Laws
Runnin’ Bulldogs Amanda Steinmuller scored her team-leading 13 goal of the season, and Cassidy McDowell added a strike of her own, but it was not enough for the Longwood Lancers that beat Gardner-Webb with a 24-2 victory on Sunday afternoon at Spangler Stadium.
Longwood (5-9, 3-1 Big South) controlled the plays for much of the afternoon, winning 20-of-28 draws and converting 13-of-15 clearing attempts on the day. Gardner-Webb (0-13, 0-4 Big South) forced 16 Lancers turnovers and had free position attempts, as each team scooped up about 22 ground balls.
Steinmuller and McDowell each found the back of the net for the Runnin’ Bulldogs, as Monique Martin caused five turnovers while recording four ground balls and three draw controls. Alex Fusco and Martin had a total of four ground balls and three draw controls, as for Brooke Fernandes, she caused three turnovers while Raygan Hall made 10 saves.
Longwood started strong in the first half, scoring eight goals in the opening 15 minutes before Gardner-Webb answered at the 6:21 mark, when Steinmuller got the Runnin’ Bulldogs on the board. McDowell netted her third to cap the scoring in the first half.
Sarah Ardnt opened the second half with three strikes for the Lancers, stretching the lead to 16-2 at the 21:11 mark, as Longwood outscored Gardner-Webb 11-0, in the second half.
Sarah Butler led the way for Longwood with five goals and three assists, as Katie McHugh and Ardnt each added five strikes for Longwood. Shiloh McKenzie controlled a game-high of five draws, while Christian Acker, Imani West and Chelsea Diionno had five saves.
Runnin’ Bulldogs return to action on Friday when they travel to Conway, S.C. to take on Coastal Carolina at 6 p.m. in the Big South play.
To see more photos from Sundays game click here.