By John Starbuck, mcmurrysports.com staff writer

ABILENE, TEXAS - Long volleys and impressive backcourt play fueled by loud cheers from the home crowd best described McMurry University's 17-25, 20-25, 18-25 nail-biter Tuesday, Sept. 19 with future conference foe Schreiner University in Kimbrell Arena.

McMurry fell behind in the first set before going on a 9-3 run that served as a huge spark for the remainder. Both teams tied once in the second stanza and three times in the third. The opponent's biggest lead was three points until late in each set.
The home team had 30 kills, led by junior setter Ashlyn Quillan (Van Alstyne, Texas) with 11 followed by junior outside hitter Jacee Dinkins (Azle, Texas) with six and sophomore outside hitter Shaely Rogers (Bandera, Texas) with five. Freshman setter Allison Montoya (Fort Worth, Texas) had 10 of the team's 29 assists with senior defensive specialist/libero Addie Leal (Clute, Texas) chipping in eight and Quillan having six. Of McMurry's 56 digs, Leal contributed 11 with Rogers and Montoya having 10 each.

Freshman middle/right side hitter Rylie Patterson (Amarillo, Texas) recorded a solo block and added a second total net defensive gem with an assist. The team finished with three total blocks.

The War Hawks hit the road to resume American Southwest Conference play at Concordia University on Friday, Sept. 22 and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor on Saturday, Sept. 23.  They return home Tuesday, Sept. 26 to face crosstown rival Hardin-Simmons University. The first serve is at 6 p.m.