Fayette, Mo. – The Central Methodist Women's Basketball Team celebrated Senior Day by defeating Mount Mercy University 83-65 at Puckett Field House. 

With the win, the Eagles improve to 15-9 and 10-6 in conference play, while the Mustangs fall to 9-14 and 5-11 in the Heart. 

Prior to tipoff, Central recognized members of both its varsity and varsity reserve senior classes, including Kynleigh White, Wariya Alhassan, Elli Teubert, Mary Copeland, Kaitlyn Patke, Trishelle Porter, and Asnate Gerke.

Central started the game hot, outscoring Mount Mercy 24-13 in the first quarter of play. Mount Mercy battled in the second frame, narrowly edging Central 19-18, but the Eagles maintained control and led 42-32 at halftime.

Emerging from the locker room, Central responded with 26 points in the third quarter to extend its lead. The final quarter was more evenly contested, but the Eagles' earlier momentum secured the 18-point victory.

Three of the seven seniors scored in double figures.

Gerke led the Eagles' offense with a game-high 20 points on eight-of-nine shooting from the floor, while also adding six boards and three steals.

Porter scored 18 points, collected three rebounds, and grabbed two steals. Patke added 15 points, and filled the stat sheet with five rebounds and two assists, steals, and blocks apiece.

Teubert, Copeland, and Alhassan also made key contributions on Senior Day. Teubert tallied six points and three rebounds, Copeland added seven points and three boards, and Alhassan added three boards as well.

Shooting an efficient 50.8 percent from the floor, Central built its largest lead of the afternoon at 26 points with five minutes remaining.

The Eagles next play Wednesday, Feb. 11, when they host Culver-Stockton at 5:30 p.m. in Puckett Field House.

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