ABILENE, Texas – McMurry University Volleyball claimed the final spot in the American Southwest Conference Tournament with a 25-23, 25-15, 25-22 sweep over Sul Ross State Friday night in Kimbrell Arena. The match also served as Senior Night for the War Hawks.
The War Hawks (18-9, 8-7 ASC) broke a 3-3 tie in the first set, using a 6-0 run on four kills by seniors, including a pair by middle blocker Kianni Mitchell. The Lobos chipped away and got within 23-22, but McM got two kills by outside hitter Jordyn Burnell to put the set away.
McM fell behind 9-7 in the second set, but quickly swung the momentum back in its favor. The War Hawks used another 6-0 run, with junior setter Lauryn Davis contributing three aces. Later in the set, McM used an 8-2 spurt to go up 22-13. McMurry scored three of the final four points to claim the set.
It was a fast start for the War Hawks in set three, as they jumped out to a 6-1 advantage. McMurry maintained a three to four-point lead for the majority of the set, before the Lobos used a 6-1 run late to tie the set at 20.
The teams traded the next four points, before a Sul Ross service error and kills by Burnell and Mitchell sealed the win for the War Hawks.
McMurry hit over .300 in the second and third sets, compiling a .313 attack percentage in set two and a .324 attack percentage in set three. Overall, the War Hawks hit .252.
Both Burnell and sophomore right side hitter Tyler Richardson led McM with nine kills apiece. Richardson hit .412, as five War Hawks tallied six or more kills and four hit above .300. Junior middle blocker Megan Martinez had eight kills, while senior right side hitter Justice McGowan had seven and Mitchell six, respectively. Mitchell led McM with a .600 attack percentage.
On the back line, freshman libero Adile Leal paced the War Hawks with 13 digs, while Burnell added 11. Senior defensive specialist Jaelyn Green tallied eight digs.
Davis and junior setter Brynn Warnack had nearly identical assist numbers, with Davis dishing out 19 helpers and Warnack 17. Davis had four of McM's five aces.
McMurry will represent the final wild card team in the ASC Tourney, and will face a familiar foe in Concordia Texas November 7 at 5 p.m. UT Dallas won the ASC East Division and will host the tournament.
