McPherson, Kan. — The Central Christian College of Kansas women's basketball team tipped off the 2025–26 season in style Friday night, earning a 67–54 victory over Cottey College in the opening game of the McPherson Classic. The win marks the second consecutive season the Tigers have opened the year with a victory after a 12-year drought in season openers.

Junior guard Chloe Clevenger led the way scoring 23 points. She also pulled down six rebounds, and added four steals. Fellow guard Kylee Jones added 21 points and three steals, while Alexandria "Mimi" Craig recorded a career-high 10 points, sparking the Tigers' offense in the second half.

Charmayne Marshall had nine assists, and Cristina Laudan led the Tigers with nine rebounds, helping Central outrebound the Comets 40–37.

The Tigers came out firing, racing to a 20–7 first-quarter lead behind 10 early points from Jones. Cottey found momentum in the second quarter, outscoring Central 13–8 to cut the deficit to 28–20 at halftime. Craig provided a crucial spark in the third quarter, scoring eight of her 10 points in the frame, and Clevenger caught fire from deep—draining five straight three-pointers on five attempts in the second half to seal the win.

Central's transition game proved to be the difference, converting 22 points on fast breaks while leading wire to wire. Cottey's Gabrielle Burris led all scorers with 26 points for the Comets.

The Tigers (1–0) will return to action Saturday at 12:00 p.m., facing Randall University in the final day of the McPherson Classic.