The freshman midfielder combination of Johnny Rocha (Abilene, Texas) and Bryan Rios (Rio Grand City, Texas) produced a pair of second-half scores to enable McMurry University to avoid shutout losses at the hands of American Southwest Conference front-runners Mary-Hardin-Baylor and Concordia University Thursday, Oct. 20 and Saturday, Oct. 22.

Rocha's score at the Cru Sports Complex in Belton, Texas, in the 74^th minute, led a feisty offensive charge by head coach Marquis Muse's side. Despite the 6-1 defeat, the War Hawks did blast away 12 shots at UMHB's defense with seven being on goal. Sophomore midfielder Dylan Caudle (San Angelo, Texas) and freshman Armando Saldana (Wichita Falls, Texas) tallied three attempts each.

In a 4-1 defeat at the hands of the Tornadoes at CU's Round Rock Multisport Complex, Muse's charges kept things even through the first 45. However, the hosts unlocked their offensive key to the tune of three goals in a three-minute span as both sides came out of the locker room. Freshman forward Brennan Anderson tried to help his teammates close the scoreboard deficit with two shots on goal but both were dashed away.

The War Hawks (5-8-2 overall, 3-4 ASC) move into a crucial final week of the regular season. They host UT-Dallas and the University of the Ozarks on Thursday, October 27, and Saturday, October 29. McMurry holds down sixth place by a narrow margin over UT-Dallas.