news-category: Athletics

Gardner-Webb Hosts East Tennessee State for Annual Education Day Game

Over 1,500 School Kids and Staff To Fill Paul Porter Arena

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.The Gardner-Webb University women’s basketball team will tip off against East Tennessee State University (ETSU) in its annual Education Day game Tuesday morning (Nov. 12) at Paul Porter Arena.

The game will feature an earlier tip-off than usual, starting just after 11 a.m., as Gardner-Webb welcomes over 1,500 students and staff from six elementary schools across Cleveland and Rutherford counties. These young fansfrom Boiling Springs, Cliffside, Forest City Dunbar, Springmore and Township Number Three elementaries and Thomas Jefferson Classical Academyare expected to fill the arena with a high level of excitement, making for one of the most energetic and unique crowds in college basketball.

Over 1,500 local school children and staff attend the Education Day game each year.

Senior guard Ashley Hawkins leads the Runnin’ Bulldogs, currently averaging over 15 points and five assists per game. Key contributors alongside Hawkins include sophomore guard Lauren Bailey, who scores 9.5 points per game and maintains a near-perfect 91% free-throw percentage; graduate forward Elze Motekaityte, who posts an average of 10.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and two blocks per game; and sophomore guard Anaya Harris, whose 3.5 steals per game rank her among national and conference defensive leaders.

Tuesday marks the ninth meeting between these former conference foes in the ASUN, with the all-time series tied at 4-4. The Runnin’ Bulldogs last defeated the Buccaneers, 78-72, in a neutral-site game in 2021, while ETSU claimed a 60-48 victory in their most recent matchup last December in Johnson City. This game will be only the third meeting between the teams in the past 15 years.

Gardner-Webb enters Tuesday’s contest with a 1-1 record, having opened the season with a 67-63 win over West Georgia on Nov. 4. The Runnin’ Bulldogs played a close game at Elon last Friday, ultimately falling 69-61. ETSU, currently 0-2, is coming off a tough road game against nationally ranked N.C. State, who defeated the Buccaneers 80-55 on Nov. 5, followed by a 55-48 loss at home to Jackson State on Saturday.

Fans unable to attend can watch the game live on ESPN+. Tickets for the general public are available at gwusports.com.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.

Previous News Article

Gardner-Webb University Hosts Annual Veterans Day Service on Nov. 11

Next News Article

Ashley Hawkins and Darryl Simmons II Named Gardner-Webb Athletes of The Week

Related News

  • News Article

    Gardner-Webb Signs Men’s Soccer Head Coach Scott Wells to Multi-Year Contract Extension

    In Only His Second Year, Wells Led Runnin’ Bulldogs to Most Wins in Program History; Undefeated Conference Record; and a NCAA Tournament Victory BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Coming off one of the most successful men’s soccer seasons in school history, Gardner-Webb University President Dr. William Downs is pleased to announce a multi-year contract extension for head coach […]

  • News Article

    CBS Analyst Gene Steratore is Featured Speaker for Gardner-Webb Baseball’s First Pitch Celebration on Feb. 1

    Event Includes Dinner, Silent Auction and Introductions of the 2025 Division I Roster and Coaching Staff BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Now in its fifth year, Gardner-Webb baseball’s First Pitch Celebration has become a must-attend event. Scheduled for Feb. 1 in Tucker Student Center, the featured speaker is NFL and NCAA Rules Analyst Gene Steratore. A native of […]

  • News Article

    Campus Invited to Welcome Home Runnin’ Bulldogs’ Today After Historic Season Ends in NCAA Second Round

    Meet Big South Conference Tournament Champs at Fieldhouse, Approximately 5:30 p.m. BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Gardner Webb (13-4-3) men’s soccer team saw its season come to an end on Sunday, Nov. 24, falling to No. 3 Denver (13-3-4) by the final of 3-0 in the second round of the NCAA Men’s Soccer Championship. The campus community […]