Gardner-Webb University started off Friday’s game against Kent State with four goals in two minutes. The Flashes were never able to crawl out of the early deficit, falling 20-12.

The Flashes were able to cut the Bulldog’s lead in half in the first couple minutes with a pair of goals from Abby Jones and Megan Kozar. Kozar’s goal was assisted by Graceyn Dean.

Gardner-Webb’s defense held the Flashes offense to just four goals in the first half while the Bulldogs recorded 12. Kozar scored three of Kent State’s four first-half goals. 

The Flashes offense surged in the beginning of the second half, recording three goals in two minutes. Two came from Jones while one was from Eva Nikolai. Despite the strong offensive push, Kent State’s defense wasn’t able to hold off the Bulldogs. Gardner-Webb scored eight more goals in the half with Abby Hanscom and Talen Francis leading with four goals each.

Kozar lead the Flashes in goals with four while Jones tallied three. Kelli Bailey scored two and Dean, Nikolai and Katie Stachler each had one.

Goalie Grace Merrill had 11 saves and Bridgette Kiefer had two. The two goalies faced a total of 32 shots on goal while the Bulldogs defense limited the Flashes to 20 shots on goal.

Gardner-Webb also won the draw controls with 20 compared to Kent State’s 14.

Kent State’s next game will be against Coastal Carolina University on Tuesday at 4 p.m. The Flashes will face off against the Chanticleers at Brooks Stadium.

Amanda Levine covers women’s lacrosse. Contact her at [email protected].