BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – The Lincoln University football team stepped up a level in competition to close out the non-conference portion of the schedule, falling to Division I Gardner Webb Saturday, 56-0.

After holding the Runnin' Bulldogs to just 10 points after the first three possessions, Lincoln finished the first half allowing 46 points – 18 in the first quarter and 28 in the second quarter.

Gardner Webb added 10 points in the third quarter for the final score.

Elijah Snell (Brooklyn, N.Y./Erasmus Hall) was an offensive bright spot with 55 yards rushing on eight carries. It was the most yards gained by a running back this season for the Lions. He added 12 yards on two receptions. Hunter Terrell (Washington, D.C./H.D. Woodson) also had two catches for Lincoln.

For the second straight game, Devon Cathcart (Chicago, Ill./Thornton Fractional South) tallied double-figure tackles – recording a team-high 11 tackles with a quarterback hurry. Roosevelt Jordan (Shamong, N.J./Seneca) and Andrew Williams added eight tackles each.

Lincoln (0-3) opens CIAA action 1 p.m. Saturday, hosting Shaw University.