SPOKANE, Wash. – McMurry University women's basketball could not overcome a strong first half by host Whitworth University, dropping the second game of its Pacific Northwest trip, 71-47, at the Whitworth Fieldhouse. The War Hawks fell to 0-5 on the young season, while the Pirates improved to 3-1.
 
McMurry had one of its best starts thus far in 2018-19, jumping out quickly on WU. After the Pirates scored the first field goal, junior guard Isabel Carrion tallied five-straight points for the War Hawks. Skyler Reyna added a layup at 7:44 of the first period to lead 7-2.
 
But after that Whitworth went on a run of its own. The Pirates out-scored McM 16-0 over the next 4 ½ minutes to pull away, 18-7. WU led 25-12 after one quarter and 43-25 at the half.
 
McMurry was not able to counter the depth of the Bucs bench or the hosts' size advantage. Whitworth held a 39-15 advantage in points by non-starters and also out-rebounded McMurry, 50-30 for the afternoon.
 
Carrion finished the game with nine points and seven rebounds, both team-leading numbers. Carrion was 3-of-9 from the floor and a perfect 3-for-3 from the free throw line. She also had an assist and two steals in the 32 minutes of floor time.
 
Freshman Savannah Johnson matched Carrion with nine points, connecting on 4-of-6 field goals. She also corralled three offensive boards. Twin sister Autumn Johnson added six points and four rebounds.
 
Junior guard Sarah Doherty finished with seven points, including one of the War Hawks' two three-point baskets made in the game. Senior Dominique Machuca had the other trey and booked five points, as did Brittany Rodgers.

The War Hawks will open American Southwest Conference play next Thursday, November 29, by hosting Belhaven University. Tipoff at Kimbrell Arena will be at 5:30 p.m. for the women, followed by the men's game versus the Blazers at 7:30 p.m.