ABILENE, Texas – A short-handed McMurry Women's Basketball team went toe-to-toe with Arlington Baptist on Tuesday night, but could not complete the season sweep of the Lady Patriots in an 85-78 road loss.

The War Hawks (9-8, 2-6 American Southwest Conference) went to battle without senior forward Skyler Reyna, who was battling sickness, but nearly pulled out the win against the top-ranked team in the National Christian College Athletic Association Division II polls.

McMurry, who defeated ABU earlier this season at Kimbrell Arena, dropped its fourth straight contest. Since that loss to McMurry back in December, the Lady Patriots (11-5, 9-0 NCCAA) have won 10 of their last 11 games. ABU is also riding a nine-game win streak with tonight's victory.

Without Reyna to boot, freshman post Destiny Mathews led the War Hawks with 21 points and 16 rebounds. Her rebounds are a new career high, as she grabbed seven of her 16 on the offensive end.

Senior guard Sarah Doherty had 16 points for McMurry, while fellow freshman post Abrelle Godfrey added nine points. Both players were just two points shy of season highs.

The War Hawks will work to get off the schneid this weekend, welcoming Mary Hardin-Baylor to Kimbrell Arena on Thursday, Jan. 30 at 5:30 p.m. On Saturday, McMurry will host Concordia at 1 p.m.