ABILENE, TX - The McMurry War Hawks faced a tough conference test at home, battling but ultimately falling to the Colorado College Tigers in three sets with scores of 18-25, 19-25, and 23-25. The loss moves the War Hawks' overall season record to 13-11 and 5−9 in SCAC play.
The War Hawks' offense was led by a relentless attack from Marcette Williams, who totaled a team-high 13 kills for the match and contributed five total blocks. Annikah Frank was a major force, adding eight kills, while Layleah Williams-Gibson and Madi Polasek both contributed five kills apiece.
The attack was orchestrated by Alexis Dolton, who finished with 27 assists and added seven digs. Defensively, Jalie Miller anchored the back row, recording a match-high 16 digs. At the net, the War Hawks accumulated 11.0 total blocks as a team. Williams (5 total blocks) led the blocking unit with five total blocks, followed by Rylie Patterson with three block assists.
Set-by-Set Breakdown
Set 1 (18-25, Lost): McMurry struggled to generate offense in the opener, but Williams kept the team afloat with four kills. The blocking game was the immediate highlight, with Williams recording a solo block and an assist as the team amassed 5.0 total blocks in the set. Despite the defensive effort, the Tigers pulled ahead to take the set.
Set 2 (19-25, Lost): The offense showed improved rhythm, putting down 13 kills in the frame. Williams again led the way with four kills, and Dolton commanded the attack with eight assists. However, the War Hawks couldn't slow down the Tigers' consistent scoring, dropping the second set.
Set 3 (23-25, Lost): The final set was the closest and most competitive, featuring six lead changes. Williams turned up the heat, smashing a team-best five kills in the frame. Dolton was instrumental, contributing 10 assists. Miller anchored the defense with six digs, allowing Frank and Patterson to execute clutch plays late. Despite pushing the set to 23−23, the War Hawks ultimately fell to complete the Tigers' sweep.
The War Hawks return to the court Saturday, November 1, for a 2:00 p.m. match against the University of St. Thomas in Kimbrell Arena.
