BELTON, Texas – In a battle of regionally-ranked heavyweights, McMurry University Women's Soccer fell behind early and was unable to find the net in a competitive 2-0 loss to Mary Hardin-Baylor on Thursday in Belton.

With the defeat, McMurry (10-3-2, 5-1-2 ASC) suffers its first loss in American Southwest Conference play. The loss also snaps an 11-game undefeated streak and a five-game win streak. The undefeated streak was the second-longest in school history behind the 13 games to start the 2019 season.

McMurry entered as the sixth-ranked team in Region X, while UMHB (11-2-1, 6-1-1 ASC) entered one spot behind in seventh. The Cru were also looking to defend a streak of its own on Thursday, improving to an 8-0 record at home.

The first half was evenly matched with the only difference coming on a penalty kick goal by UMHB's Kristen Burdick in the 11th minute. Both teams had two shots on goal in the half and defended nearly every opportunity against it.

Making her first appearance since Sept. 25 at Belhaven, McMurry sophomore goalkeeper Priscella Caruso subbed in for starter Cortlynn Boone stayed busy in the second half. UMHB was the aggressor right out of the break, taking four shots and three shots on goal within the first 20 minutes of her appearance.

The Cru finally broke through in the 76th to double its lead with a goal from Mackenzie Worthy.

UMHB had an 11-5 advantage in shots, but McMurry's shot on goal percentage was more efficient. The War Hawks had four shots on target (.800), while the Cru had six on frame (.600).

McMurry was led by senior Hallie Rutherford with two shots, followed by senior Krista Thrasher and freshmen Brooke Boyer and Kacy Duren with one each.

Senior Ashland Hansen was the lone player to finish all 90 minutes for McMurry.

Up next, the War Hawks continue their road swing at Concordia Texas (8-5, 6-1) on Saturday, Oct. 23 at 1 p.m.