ABILENE, Texas – McMurry University Volleyball battled against visiting University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Friday evening, but was ultimately swept by the Cru, 21-25, 19-25, 20-25 in its American Southwest Conference opener in Kimbrell Arena.

All three sets were back-and-forth through the first 15 points, but the Cru were able to close out the sets against the War Hawks. Tied at 15 in the first set, the Cru scored nine of the next 11 points to pull away for the early lead.

Once again in the second set, McMurry went toe-to-toe with the Cru, trailing just 16-15 halfway through the set. But another run by the Cru put the War Hawks in a two set hole. McMurry held a 12-10 lead after kills by seniors Justice McGowan and Jordyn Burnell, but the Cru answered with five straight points.

Set three was not different, with the War Hawks and Cru tied at 15. UMHB scored the next six points to grab the lead, and held off one last McMurry rally.

Burnell and McGowan led the McM attack, with 13 and 12 kills, respectively. McGowan led all players with a .478 attack percentage.

McMurry collected 68 digs defensively, led by 19 from senior libero Jaelyn Green. Burnell added 15 digs for a double-double. Junior setter Lauryn Davis led the War Hawks with 22 assists. At the net, junior middle blocker Megan Martinez had four assisted blocks.

The War Hawks continue ASC play Saturday when they host Concordia-Texas at Kimbrell Arena. First serve is set for noon.