ABILENE, TX - The McMurry War Hawks fought a dramatic, four-set battle against the University of St. Thomas Celts at Kimbrell Arena, ultimately falling 3-1 with scores of 23-25, 25-23, 27-29, and 17-25. The home conference loss moves the War Hawks' season record to 13-12 overall and 5−10 in SCAC play.
The War Hawks' offense was highly productive, tallying 48 kills as a team, with a balanced attack led by four key performers. Marcette Williams and Madi Polasek anchored the attack, putting down 10 kills and eight kills, respectively. Carli Colbert also proved crucial with eight kills, and Annikah Frank contributed seven kills of her own.
Directing the offense was Alexis Dolton, who finished with a team-high 19 assists, while Colbert was effective as a second setter, adding 18 assists.
Defensively, McMurry was stellar in the back row, amassing 81 digs. Jalie Miller delivered a career performance, anchoring the defense with a match-high 32 digs. Isabela Dorsey was a force next to her, collecting 16 digs, and Colbert added 11 digs. Colbert also led the service game with two aces.
At the net, the team totaled 8.0 blocks. Williams was instrumental in the blocking unit, registering one solo block and three block assists for four total blocks. Layleah Williams-Gibson and Frank each contributed two block assists.
Set-by-Set Breakdown
Set 1 (23-25, Lost): The opening set was tight from start to finish, featuring 13 tie scores and six lead changes. Williams led the War Hawks' attack with five kills, and Dolton helped the offense flow with eight assists. Despite a strong effort, the Celts edged out the War Hawks late to take the first set.
Set 2 (25-23, Won): McMurry showed immediate resilience, winning another back-and-forth set. The team logged 4.0 blocks in the set, dominating the net and giving the Celts fits. Colbert paced the scoring with four kills, while Polasek and Annikah provided key offense. Clutch defensive work from Miller and Dorsey allowed the War Hawks to pull ahead and secure the hard-fought victory.
Set 3 (27-29, Lost): This was the most dramatic and grueling set of the match, featuring 15 tie scores and pushing deep into extra points. Williams again delivered a key performance with four kills, matching Colbert's four kills. The War Hawks fought off multiple set points, but ultimately suffered a tough loss, dropping the extended frame.
Set 4 (17-25, Lost): After the physically and emotionally taxing third set, the War Hawks struggled to maintain their energy. The Celts took an early lead, and although Williams-Gibson provided two kills, McMurry couldn't mount a comeback.
McMurry return to the court next Tuesday, November 4, for a match at Hardin-Simmons in the Mabee Complex, set to start at 6:00 p.m.
