Marshall, Mo. - The Central Methodist Women's Basketball team fell to Missouri Valley in the Heart Conference Game of the Week Wednesday night by a score of 56-41.

With the loss, CMU moves to 14-9 overall and 9-6 in the Heart of America Conference, while the Vikings improve to 13-9 and 10-5 in league play.

Missouri Valley set the tone early, outscoring CMU 15-8 in the opening quarter. The Eagles responded with energy in the second frame, holding the Vikings to eight points while scoring 14 of their own to cut into the deficit heading into halftime.

The third quarter remained tightly contested, but Missouri Valley was able to create separation down the stretch and maintain control to secure the victory.

Graduate forward Kaitlyn Patke led CMU with 10 points, six rebounds, and a block. Maizen Williams added eight points, three rebounds, and two assists, while Mary Copeland chipped in seven points and three rebounds off the bench.

Senior Asnate Gerke filled the stat sheet with six points, seven rebounds, three steals, and two assists.

The difference came from beyond the arc, where Missouri Valley connected on 30.8 percent of its three-point attempts compared to CMU's 8.3 percent.

Central Methodist returns to action on Saturday, Jan. 7, hosting Mount Mercy for Senior Day inside Puckett Field House at 12 p.m.

#TakeFlight