Kansas City, Mo. –  The Central Methodist women's basketball program is receiving votes in the fourth edition of the NAIA Women's Basketball Coaches' Top-25 Poll, as announced by the national office Wednesday afternoon.

Other Heart programs featured in the Top-25 include; No. 8 Clarke, No. 15 MidAmerica Nazarene, (RV) Grand View, and (RV) Benedictine.

The Lady Eagles are currently third in the Heart South division with an 11-5 record in conference play. Central currently holds a six game winning streak, highlighted by a 71-69 upset win over No. 8 Clarke on Feb. 3.

CMU's winning streak has been fueled by Daryna Bachkarova and Leianya Massenat, who have both been named Heart Player of the Week. Massenat led the Eagles in victories over Baker and Grand View, averaging 25 points and 7.5 rebounds/game. Bachkarova led the Eagle offense in wins against Clarke, Mount Mercy and Culver-Stockton, averaging 20 points and 7.6 rebounds/game. Overall, Bachkarova finished the week converting on 43.3-percent of her three-point attempts.

CMU is currently ranked No. 7 nationally in offensive rebounds/game (17.17), highlighted by freshman Leah Johnson, who is ranked No. 4 in offensive rebounds/game(5.882). Massenat leads the conference in both points/game (20.08) and steals/game (43). Johnson leads the Heart in rebounds, averaging 9.65 boards/game and a total of 164 so far this season. 

Central will look to push its win streak to seven games in the home finale against Graceland on Saturday, Feb. 13 at 2:00 p.m. in Puckett Fieldhouse.

To view the complete Top-25 poll, please click here.

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