ABILENE, Texas – Ashley Hesseltine had a career-high 22 points, but it was not enough as McMurry women's basketball fell to Mid-America Christian University, 58-54, at Kimbrell Arena. The War Hawks dropped to 1-10 overall, while the Evangels – ranked No. 7 in the nation for the National Christian College Athletic Association – improved to 7-2.
 
McMurry put forth a gutsy effort and was not intimidated by the much larger MACU lineup. While the Evangels were able to parlay that physical advantage into a 34-8 advantage for points in the paint, McM had the upper hand for second-chance points, 14-5.
 
But it was Hesseltine who – for the second time in as many starts – paced the War Hawks' offense. The senior guard nailed 6-of-12 from the field, including a stellar 5-for-7 from beyond the arc. She also canned 5-of-7 free throws and made two steals.
 
Fellow senior Adijatu Disu registered a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds. Disu was just 3-for-9 from the field, but was a perfect 6-of-6 from the charity stripe. Sophomore Haley Welch added 10 points as the third War Hawk in double figures.
 
Taylor Russell and Mishae Roper each pulled down eight boards, as well as scoring five points apiece. Russell had a team leading four assists, as well.
 
McM coach William Milton did not get any points from his bench personnel.
 
MACU built a nine point advantage – 29-20 – by halftime, thanks to a 17-6 run by the Evangels to close the period. Mid-America built its lead to 11 with 9:39 left in the game.
 
McMurry made one last charge at the Evangels. With 5:00 left on the game clock, Hesseltine buried a trey that knotted the game at 50-50. However, an 8-2 mini-run by MACU over the next 3 ½ minutes sealed the War Hawks' fate.
 
For Mid-America, Ashlee Ferguson had 19 points and three steals.