BROWNWOOD – McMurry got double-figure scoring from four players and the held Howard Payne to 27 percent shooting in a 71-47 victory in the season opener on Tuesday.
 
Emily Holland had 15 points and nine rebounds while Helana Chadwick added a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Ashton Garner came off the bench for 14 points and Aryana Cleveland added a dozen.
 
Holland also led with five assists and two steals.
 
The War Hawks dominated on the boards, 40-24, and held the Yellow Jackets to 15 of 55 shooting from the field.
 
"Proud of the effort and energy tonight," said McMurry head coach Drew Long. "Especially on the defensive end. We started off slow and it wasn't a pretty game but I thought we made plays when we needed to. It was a total team effort tonight. We still have a lot to clean up but it's a step in the right direction. We are excited to see this team continue to grow together."
 
McMurry trailed at the end of the first quarter but took over the game with an 18-0 run in the second quarter. HPU was 0-11 with three turnovers while the McM defense flexed. Six War Hawks scored, led by a pair of three-pointers by Holland, as the spree saw them take a 29-14 lead with 2:43 left in the half.
 
McMurry led 32-21 at the half and methodically built the advantage to 52-32 at the end of the third quarter.
 
Garner hit a layup to finish a 12-0 run in the fourth quarter for the largest McM lead at 68-42 with 3:37 to go in the game.
 
McMurry returns to action at home on Friday, hosting Hardin-Simmons at 5:30 p.m.