ABILENE, Texas – McMurry University opens American Southwest Conference Tournament play tonight when the War Hawks take on the second seed from the East Division, East Texas Baptist University, at 7:30 p.m. in Belton, Texas, at the Mayborn Campus Center.
Live stat and video links can be found at mcmurrysports.com.
NOTES:
LAST WEEK: McMurry swept Arlington Baptist University on Senior Night before taking down Concordia Texas in five sets Saturday.
TIEBREAKER: Although the War Hawks defeated the Tornados last week, Concordia received the tiebreaker for the second seed in the West Division. The War Hawks will be the West's third seed.
2,000: Senior libero Odalis Rodriguez needs 34 digs to reach 2,000 for her career.
LAST TIME THEY MET: When the War Hawks faced East Texas Baptist at the ASC Crossover in September, the War Hawks defeated the Tigers in five sets. Junior middle blocker Justice McGowan led the War Hawks with 14 kills on a .545 attack percentage.
SCOUTING ETBU: The Tigers finished the regular season 14-14, 7-7 ASC to earn the East Division's number two seed. Junior outside hitter Sydney Lopez leads the Tigers with 3.05 kills per set and also adds 2.91 digs per set.
ALL-ASC: Five War Hawks earned All-ASC honors for their regular season efforts. McGowan was named All-ASC and All-ASC West first team, junior setter Emarie James, senior outside hitter Jasmine Jones and Rodriguez were named All-ASC West second team, and junior middle blocker Kianni Mitchell was named All-ASC West honorable mention.
ASC BRACKET: The first matchup Thursday night features the West's second seed, Concordia, facing off against the East's third seed, LeTourneau, at 5 p.m. The top two seeds, UT Dallas and host Mary Hardin-Baylor have first round byes.
THIRD TIME'S THE CHARM?: With a win, the War Hawks would face West Division foe UMHB for the third time this season. McMurry was swept in the previous two meetings.
DOUBLE ELIMINATION: After tonight's matches, the ASC Tournament goes to a double elimination format. Second round and other elimination matches will be played Friday with the championship Saturday. The winner receives an automatic bid to the NCAA III Tournament.
