WAXAHACHIE, TEXAS – A theme of firsts continues to rise in the red-hot start to the 2023 McMurry University season.
 
While junior forward Emily Holland (Mansfield, Texas) has remained a constant in offensive success for head coach Charles Nobles' squad, garnering a goal, four assists, and 20 shots attempted with six on frame throughout three contests, the names of individuals posting game-winning scores have tagged some new faces. Sophomore midfielder Alexis Lira (North Richland Hills, Texas) added her moniker to a roll that includes junior defender Haylie Blakley (Allen, Texas) and freshman Kaylee Worth (Frisco, Texas).
 
Lira found the back of the Southwestern Assemblies of God University net in the final 10 minutes of regulation for her fourth career goal. Her match-winner was part of a big second 45-minute turnaround for the visitors. After being held without a shot in the first half compared to 11 for the hosts, Nobles' crew added to the intense early September air temperature with sizzling play on SAGU's Athletic Fields. The Maroon and White hammered six attempts at their hosts, with three being on frame.
 
On the other end of the pitch, the underclasswoman tandem of freshman Avery Anders (Abilene, Texas) and sophomore Lauren Marlow (Flower Mound, Texas) combined for a second shutout in three matches for the War Hawks defense. Anders gathered four saves.
 
NOTE: McMurry's 3-0 record ties the 2014 team for the best start in program history.