HIGHLANDERS EDGE GARDNER-WEBB ON LATE GOAL, 3-2

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RADFORD, Va. – Radford matched its best start in program history as it edged Gardner-Webb, 3-2 on freshman Britney Kendall's game-winner in the 80^th minute as on Wednesday evening at Cupp Stadium. With the victory, the Highlanders (11-1-1, 7-0 Big South) extending their winning streak to seven, matched the program record for home winning streak (9) and continued their school-record home undefeated streak at 17 (15-0-2).

With the score deadlocked at 2-2, the reigning Big South Attacking Player of the week was rewarded for making the run on senior Rachel Conway's through ball from midfield. Senior Julie Ruh'e (pictured) tracked down Conway's ball deep in the box and centered the on-rushing Kendall for the game-winner, her second in as many games and fifth overall goal of the year, tying her for the team lead.

Ruh'e and Conway each finished the evening with two assists. Ruh'e climbed into a tie for eighth on the all-time assists list with 19.

Shelby Hooe scored both goals for the Runnin' Bulldogs (3-11-1, 1-6).

Behind goals from freshman Melanie Priestley and senior Sydney Golden, Radford jumped out to a 2-0 in the first 13 minutes of the match. A 22^nd minute penalty shot goal by Hooe cut the Highlanders' lead in half and the score would remain that way going into the break.

Priestley staked the Highlanders to a 1-0 lead after a nice combination play by sophomore Asyia Mitchell and Conway set up the rookie striker from 10 yards out for her four goal of the season. Golden, also tallying her fourth of the season, went top shelf with a left-footed blast from 22 yards following a feed from her classmate Ruh'e.

In the 22^nd minute, Hooe was tripped up going across the box and was awarded a penalty kick. She converted with a low shot to the left side of the goal. The scored snapped Radford's nine-game and 894:23 shutout streaks against Big South opponents at home. The stretch dates back to the Highlanders' conference home opener last season against High Point (9/20/12).

Hooe struck again in the 52^nd minute to even the contest at 2-2 when she was found alone on a service across the six by Meagan Reynolds. Both teams threatened but came up empty until Kendall's strike.

Radford outshot Gardner-Webb, 20-8 and recorded all five corner kicks. Hooe led all players on the field with five shots. Golden and senior Sahar Aflaki paced the Highlanders with four each. Amy Schmitt made seven saves for the Bulldogs.

Radford hits the road on Saturday, Oct. 19 for a matchup with High Point at 7:00 p.m.

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