ABILENE, Texas - McMurry battled back to beat Howard Payne in five sets at home on Friday night.
The 25-22, 22-25, 15-25, 25-22, 15-11 win required a resilient effort from the War Hawks.
Hanna Rubis had a career night, surpassing 1,000 career kills. She recorded a double-double with 25 kills and 14 digs, leading the War Hawks.
Madi Polasek added 11 kills, and
Grace Fortune led with 52 assists and an ace.
Jalie Miller was everywhere on the back row with 20 digs, while
Lexi Nichols added 18.
Kenzie Jackson added six blocks, and
Layleah Williams-Gibson added four.
The match was highly contested from start to finish, featuring 28 ties and 15 lead changes over the five sets. After McMurry secured the opening set 25-22, Howard Payne rallied to claim the next two sets and take a 2-1 lead.
Facing elimination in the fourth set, the War Hawks' offense erupted for 18 kills. A strong push allowed McMurry to take the set 25-22 and force a tiebreaker.
In the final set, McMurry swung for 10 kills to put the War Hawks ahead for good. The War Hawks sealed the match with a 15-11 deciding victory.
Volleyball next plays tomorrow morning at 11:00 a.m. when they host Schreiner for senior day at Kimbrell Arena.
