KERRVILLE, Texas – McMurry Women's Basketball opened the 2021-22 with a back-and-forth affair at Schreiner University, but were edged in overtime, 75-70, in Kerrville, Texas on Friday evening.

In a game that saw 10 lead changes, the War Hawks (0-1) trailed 57-53 with 20 seconds to go. Junior Taya Bridges – the team's leading scorer – came up with a steal and was able to sink two free throws to bring McMurry back within a possession.

Bridges was forced to foul after her made free throws, sending Schreiner (1-0) to the other end for a chance to ice the game. Instead, Schreiner missed both free throws and Destiny Mathews got the rebound, allowing McMurry to call a quick timeout.

On the final possession, junior transfer Azallee Johnson drew a foul and made back-to-back free throws to tie the game. A missed three-pointer at the other end ensured overtime with momentum on McMurry's side.

Schreiner remained ahead for the entire overtime period, but the War Hawks never trailed by more than five points. In the end, Schreiner went 6-6 on its final three free throw trips to ice the contest.

The War Hawks started hot with a 41.2 percent shooting clip in the first quarter, including seven field goals and three triples, and lead through halftime. Schreiner picked up the pace after a slow first quarter, moving back ahead later in the third quarter.

Bridges led the way with 18 points, while adding six steals in a tremendous defensive effort. Mathews had 11 points and 11 rebounds for her 14th career double-double. Junior Valery Alvarado finished with 12 points, including a 6-10 showing from the charity stripe, while senior Aubrey Guerra added nine points.

In less than 24 hours, the War Hawks will regroup and seek out their first win, concluding a short road swing at Texas Lutheran on Saturday at 5 p.m.