Fayette, Mo. - The Central Methodist Women's Basketball program opened the 2025-26 campaign with an overtime victory over the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy of St. Louis Tuesday night inside Puckett Field House. 

Central defeated the Eutectics by a final score of 83-73, beginning the season 1-0. 

Entering the overtime period, CMU jumped out front quickly with back-to-back threes from freshman Alina Riley to put Central up 72-66 less than a minute into the frame. 

A pair of free throw makes from Kaitlyn Patke extended the Eagles' lead to eight, and Central never looked back. 

Riley led the Eagles' offense with 16 points including four three-point baskets. Nautica Washington followed with 15 points while adding five assists, four steals, two rebounds, and a block. 

Patke chipped in 14 points on six-of-nine shooting in 20 minutes of action. Maizen Williams rounded out the double-digit scorers with 10 points. 

Asnate Gerke led the rebounding efforts with 14 boards. Central's defense forced 20 Eutectic turnovers but struggled from the free throw line, shooting just 44.4 percent. 

The Eagles continue non-conference action with a matchup against Oklahoma City as part of the UHSP Classic beginning Friday, Oct. 31. 

Tipoff is set for 1:00 p.m. in St. Louis. 

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