BELTON, TEXAS – Jenna Lewis' penchant for complete games was handy for McMurry University Friday, March 10.
 
Battling the University of Mary-Hardin-Baylor in a critical early-season American Southwest Conference series at Dee Dillon Field, the War Hawks' senior standout picked up her seventh straight complete game effort in game one. She had her hands full against a hard-hitting Crusaders' offense that posted 10 hits but stranded nine home team base runners to help guide head coach David McNally's squad to a 9-3 victory. Lewis' sixth win of the season saw the Maroon and White snap a four-game skid in the all-time series and remain perfect in league play.
 
Junior outfielder Angelica Abila (Lubbock, Texas), freshman infielder Miranda Soileau (Houston, Texas), and senior outfielder Brianna Martinez (Yucaipa, Calif.) each collected two hits of the visitors' 11-safety attack. Freshman infielder Bre Barajas (Abilene, Texas) drove in two RBI as did Abila.
 
Seeking a Friday night sweep of their hosts, UMHB starter Grason Long turned back the War Hawks. The senior limited McMurry to two hits while striking out seven in six innings. The Crusaders' offense managed to get to the Maroon and White circle staff for a run in the second and third and a six-run outburst in the sixth toward an 8-0 triumph. Senior pitcher Kinleigh Stotts (Covington, Texas) kept her teammates close, allowing only one run over three and a third.
 
McMurry (10-3 overall, 4-1 ASC) kept themselves in a three-way tie for second with East Texas Baptist and UMHB with the split. The weekend set continues with a single game Saturday, March 11. Game time is 12 p.m.