Fayette, Mo. - The No. 14 Central Methodist women's basketball team returned to winning form with an 80-56 victory over Haskell Indian Nations University Saturday afternoon inside Puckett Field House. 

With the win, Central earns the double-header sweep over the Fighting Indians this season, and improves their overall record to 10-3. Haskell falls to 7-11. 

Central controlled the game from the opening tip, as the Eagles scored 21 unanswered points to open the first quarter. CMU's defense held Haskell without a point through nearly eight full minutes of game action in the first. The Fighting Indians eventually broke the drought with a three-point basket at the 1:57 mark. 

Leading 23-8 at the end of the first, the Eagles scord 19 in the second and 22 in the third to take a 54-32 lead into the fourth quarter. Despite Haskell outscoring the Eagles 24-16 in the final frame, CMU still secured the 24-point victory. 

Arleighshya McElroy led Central's offense with 21 points along with six rebounds, three steals and two assists. Daryna Bachkarova returned to the hardwood for the first time since Nov. 27, tallying 18 points and grabbing nine rebounds, nearly earning a double-double. She also recorded a game-high six steals and dished out four assists in the win. 

Leianya Massenat followed with 13 points while Leah Johnson rounded out the double-digit scorers with 12. Senior forward Daesjah Ely led the rebounding efforts with 15 boards which included six on the offensive glass. Ely also tallied eight points, a steal, and a block in 25 minutes of action. 

Jaicia Canady was a key contributor off the bench, as the sophomore guard stuffed the stat sheet with six rebounds, four assists, and three steals. 

As a team, the Eagles finished the afternoon shooting 45.7-percent from the field including 73.3-percent from the charity stripe. Central controlled the rebounding efforts, grabbing 53 boards compared to 41 for Haskell. 

Central will close out 2021 with a matchup against William Woods Friday, Dec. 31 at 1:00 p.m inside Puckett Field House. 

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