RICHARDSON, Texas – McMurry University Volleyball faced UT Dallas in a fairly-competitive match on Saturday afternoon, but would ultimately fall in three sets to the Comets in Richardson.

McMurry – who had 10 players participate Saturday – falls to 4-7 overall and 2-6 record in American Southwest Conference play – including two forfeited matches due to COVID-19 cancelations. UT Dallas, who was predicted second in the conference preseason poll, improved to .500 at 8-8 overall and 6-3 in conference.

The first two sets were close, as McMurry led early and remained in striking distance most of the way. The Comets led 21-18 and finished the first set with a 4-1 run to win 25-19.

The second set was even closer, as McMurry fell 25-23 despite leading most of the set. Down 23-21, a UT Dallas service error and a ball handling error allowed McMurry to tie things up. The Comets finished with a kill and a McMurry attack error to snatch away the set. UT Dallas jumped to a 14-4 lead in the third set and were able to finish for the win.

Sophomore Madison Cuellar and freshmen Bri Garcia and Addison Kimberling had four kills each, while Cuellar added four digs and four service aces. Senior Myranda Salcedo nearly had a double-double with 10 digs and nine assists – both team-bests.

Errors proved costly for McMurry as it finished with 22 kills and 21 errors on 98 attempts. Meanwhile, UT Dallas had 42 kills and just 10 errors for a .368 hitting percentage.

The War Hawks will play their next five matches at home, beginning on Friday, Oct. 8 against No. 9 ranked Mary Hardin-Baylor. First serve is set for 6 p.m. inside Kimbrell Arena.