ABILENE – McMurry begins the 2024 women's soccer season Friday at 5 p.m. when it hosts Lyon College.
 
It will be the first regular season match for both teams.
 
McM Storylines
 
PLEASED TO MEET YOU: This will be the initial meeting in women's soccer between the two schools. It's the second year in a row the War Hawks have opened with a fresh opponent. McMurry beat Huntingdon College 4-0 last season in a season-opening trip to Mississippi.
 
NEW LEAGUE: The War Hawks are new members in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference this season. McMurry is predicted by the league's coaches to finish fourth and qualify for the four-team conference tournament.
 
RETURNERS ABOUND: McMurry brings back the ASC Offensive Player of the Year in Emily Holland. Holland had eight goals last season. Haylie Blakley also returns to the team after leading the squad with seven assists in 2023. In all, the War Hawks return seven starters. Forwards Holland and Jaelynn Portillo; defenders Grace Singleton, McKenna Standifer, Katie Wilson and Blakley; and midfielder Alexis Lira give McMurry a ton of experience.
 
SCOUTING LYON: Lyon College is picked seventh in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The Scots were 4-10-1 last season. returns six starters including Zoe Papazoglou, Katelyn Balderas, and last year's leading scorer Jessica Steele (nine goals).