ABILENE, Texas – The youthful McMurry University women's soccer team may have dropped its match versus NCAA Division III No. 25-ranked University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, 1-0, but continued to push its program to a higher level in the process.  The War Hawks (3-12, 1-9 ASC) held the potent Cru (13-1-1, 9-0-1 ASC) offense – averaging 3.13 goals per match – to one or fewer goals for just the fourth time this season.
 
The single goal allowed was also the fewest scored by UMHB versus McMurry in the previous seven meetings dating back to the 2006 season. Since rejoining the American Southwest Conference, McM had permitted the Cru to score nine goals in 2015 and seven in 2016.
 
While the War Hawks' offense could not break through against the strong UMHB side – the War Hawks were out-shot 21-1 in the match – the defense was stellar. Led by Emily Fisher, Karleigh Alsip, Hannah Way, Kaitlyn Roberts, Karen Rocha and Alexa Aranda, the unit helped minimize the impact of the Cru's attack. McM goalkeeper Jordan Gregory was equally solid, making 13 saves.
 
McMurry's only shot attempt of the night came from Angelica Navarro with just over a minute remaining in the match.
 
While there are no points for "moral victories," the War Hawks' squad can certainly look at the numbers and know they are taking the program in an upward direction.  On the year, McM is allowing an average of 2.33 goals per game in 2017. In 2016, McM permitted opponents 4.76 g.p.m., while permitting 3.88 g.p.m. in 2015. The loss to nationally-ranked UMHB was the War Hawks' sixth one-goal loss of the 2017 campaign.