Sioux City, Iowa - For just the second time in program history, the Central Methodist women's basketball program punched its ticket to the NAIA Fab Four with a 72-62 victory over Marian (Ind.) in the NAIA National Championship Quarterfinals Saturday night in Sioux City, Iowa. 

The Eagles advance to the national semifinals for the first time since 1999, and improve their overall record to 31-5. The Knights' season comes to an end with a final mark of 30-5. 

The first quarter was a low scoring affair, as Central held the Knights to just seven points in the first frame. Leading 14-7 at the start of the second, CMU picked up the offense with 19 points to take a 33-23 lead into the locker room at halftime. 

Marian trimmed the lead to as few as four in closing moments of the third, before Central outscored the Knights 23-19 in the fourth to earn a double-digit victory. 

All five of Central's starters reached double figures, led by Arleighshya McElroy who tallied 18 points including two three-point baskets and eight free throw makes. The Dallas, Texas native also dished out a game-high seven assists in the 35 minutes of action. 

Junior forward Eternati Willock recorded another double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds along with a pair of assists and blocks. Altogether, Willock shot an outstanding eight-of-nine from the floor. 

Daryna Bachkarova and Leianya Massenat each chipped in 14 points while Leah Johnson rounded out the double-digit scorers with 10 points. 

Overall, Central's offense was extremely efficient from the floor, shooting over 50-percent. The Knights finished the evening shooting just 39-percent from the field despite knocking down seven three-point baskets. 

The Eagles showed their strenghth down low, outrebounding Marian by double-digits 38-28. 

CMU will face Thomas More (Ky.) Monday, March 21 at 8:00 p.m. in the national semifinals. The Eagles will look to reach their first-ever NAIA National Championship game with a victory. 

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