BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. (Feb. 11, 2024) – The ETSU softball team fell to Gardner-Webb, 11-3 in six innings, in the finale of the Runnin' Bulldog Classic on Sunday from Brinkley Stadium. 
 
Gardner-Webb scored eight runs in the first two innings and never looked back as they dealt the Bucs their second run-rule setback in as many days. With the loss, ETSU heads back to Johnson City with an 0-5 record, while the Runnin' Bulldogs improved to 4-1. 
 
The Bucs plated two of their three runs in the fifth inning on a two-run scoring single by Riley Nayadley. 
 
ETSU was outhit 11-3, while newcomer and leadoff hitter Brylee Mesusan scored two of the Bucs' three runs. Mesusan scored on Nayadley's single in the fifth and got the Bucs on the board when she crossed the plate via an error by Gardner-Webb's first baseman. 
 
Kendall Thackston pitched all four innings in the circle for the Blue & Gold as she allowed the 11 runs (10 earned) on 11 hits. Gardner-Webb used three pitchers in the winning effort with Andrea Lyon earning the victory after allowing one unearned run on one hit with five strikeouts in four innings. 
 
The Bucs return to the diamond next weekend when ETSU heads to Georgia for the Kennesaw State Tournament. ETSU opens play with Pittsburgh on Friday at 1:30 p.m. 
For more information on Buccaneer softball, visit ETSUBucs.com and click on the softball tab.