Fayette, Mo. - Despite a strong start in the first quarter, the Central Methodist Women's basketball team fell to defending NAIA National Champion and No. 4 ranked Clarke University by a score of 78-60 Monday afternoon inside Puckett Field House. 

Central falls to 8-8 and 5-7 in Heart of America play, while the Pride keep their perfect record intact at 16-0 and 12-0 in conference action. 

Central jumped out to a quick 21-14 first quarter lead, highlighted by a 9-0 scoring run. The quarter featured a buzzer beater three from Charli Wroe as time expired to put Central up seven. 

Clarke regained their composure, holding CMU to nine points in the second quarter. Scoring 17 points of their own in the frame, the Pride scored a tip-in basket as time expired in the half to take a 31-30 lead over CMU. 

The Pride stretched their lead to as many as seven in the third, before cranking up the offensive pressure in the fourth to secure a double-digit victory. 

Reigning Heart Player of the Week Zutorya Cook led the Eagle offense with 21 points while adding seven rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block. 

Sharay Trotter also reached double figures with 11 points followed by Miaya Ware with 10. Ware nearly tallied a double double as she grabbed a team high nine rebounds. 

Wroe tallied nine points and recorded three rebounds in 24 minutes off the bench.

The Eagles will remain at home to host Culver-Stockton College Thursday, Jan. 15 at 5:30 p.m. inside Puckett Field House. 

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