Sioux City, Iowa - The Central Methodist women's basketball program upset defending NAIA National Champion Westmont College 71-65 Friday afternoon in the Round of 16 of the NAIA Women's Basketball National Tournament in Sioux City, Iowa. 

With the win, the Eagles reach the 30-win plateau for the first time since the 2020 season, and reach the quarterfinals of the dance for the first time since 2018. The Warriors see their season come to an end with a 27-5 overall mark. 

The matchup between the No. 1 and No. 4 seeds was a true battle of heavyweight powers in the NAIA, as both sides were separated by just two points at the halftime break. Central held the slight edge over the reigning champions 31-29 coming out of the locker room, before Westmont outscored CMU 20-17 in the third quarter to take a one-point lead entering the final frame. 

CMU remained resiliant in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Warriors 23-16 to earn a six-point victory. 

Four of Central's five starters reached double figures, led by senior guard Arleighshya McElroy, who poured in 20 points in addition to six rebounds, three assists, and a steal. Leianya Massenat followed with 18 points on 50-percent shooting from the floor including three three-point baskets. 

Daryna Bachkarova and Eternati Willock were the final two Eagles to reach double figures, tallying 11 and 10 points respectively. Willock also grabbed a game-high 13 rebounds to earn a double-double. 

The reigning NAIA National Player of the Year Stefanie Berberabe led all scorers with 25 points in 35 minutes of action in the final game of her Westmont career. 

Both sides were nearly identical on the glass as Central just edged Westmont, 37-35. CMU was more efficient from the field, knocking down 46.4-percent of their field goal attempts, compared to 41.5-percent from the Warriors. 

The Eagles move onto the quarterfinals and will face the winner of No. 3 seeded Clarke and No. 2 seeded Marian (Ind.) Saturday night at 6:00 p.m. 

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