ABILENE, Texas - McMurry pushed crosstown rival Hardin-Simmons to the wire Friday night at Kimbrell Arena, taking the opening set before ultimately falling in four tightly contested frames.

The War Hawks took the opening match before the Cowgirls answered to win 25-23, 24-26, 21-25, 20-25.

Hanna Rubis spearheaded the McMurry offense with a double-double, posting a match-high 19 kills along with 16 digs and an ace. Grace Fortune also notched a double-double, directing the attack with 39 assists while anchoring the floor with a team-best 19 digs. Kenzie Jackson had a big night at the net, hammering down 11 kills and rejecting three attacks for solo blocks. Madi Polasek added eight kills, while Grace Gustafson contributed four.

Defensively, the War Hawks were relentless on the back row, amassing 86 total digs. Jalie Miller and Lexi Nichols each collected 13 digs, Allison Montoya chipped in six, and Layleah Williams-Gibson added a solo block at the net.

The crosstown dual was a back-and-forth battle throughout, featuring 26 tie scores and 13 lead changes. McMurry came out sharp in the opening set, going toe-to-toe through 10 ties and four lead changes. Driven by 14 kills, the War Hawks held firm in the closing points to lock up the 25-23 win.

Set two proved just as competitive, seeing seven ties and five lead changes. McMurry produced a match-high 16 kills to keep the pressure on, but Hardin-Simmons claimed the final two points in extra rallies for a 26-24 decision.

Hardin-Simmons jumped out in the third set and held off a late push as McMurry recorded 12 kills in the 25-21 frame. The War Hawks kept fighting in the fourth set, trading leads six times before the Cowgirls pulled away late to close out the set 25-20.

Volleyball heads to San Antonio for a non-conference match against Trinity Thursday, November 5th at 5:00 p.m.