McPherson, Kan. - The Central Christian College of Kansas women's basketball team dropped a hard-fought 67–59 decision to cross-town rival McPherson College Tuesday night in front of a packed crowd at Holman Fieldhouse. The Bulldogs used a strong second half to erase a halftime deficit and reclaim the Mayor's Cup after Central captured the trophy last season.

Kylee Jones led the Tigers with 15 points and six rebounds, while Charmayne Marshall added 14 points and connected on four three-pointers. Chloe Clevenger finished just shy of a double-double with nine points, eight rebounds, and five assists, and Cristina Laudan matched her nine points while adding five boards. Alexandria "Mimi" Craig chipped in six points and four rebounds, and C'Niyah Williams grabbed seven rebounds off the bench.

Central started strong, trading baskets with McPherson through the opening quarter before taking control in the second. Jones and Marshall fueled a 16–7 run as the Tigers built a 34–27 halftime lead. Central held McPherson to just one field goal in the second quarter, playing its best defensive stretch of the season.

Momentum shifted in the third quarter, however, as McPherson rallied behind Olivia Bell's 21 points and 12 rebounds. The Bulldogs outscored Central 22–18 in the frame to close the gap, then surged ahead late in the fourth when the Tigers went cold from the floor—hitting just 1-of-14 shots over the final 10 minutes.

Despite the loss, Central controlled the boards for much of the game, finishing with 50 rebounds and converting 19 points off turnovers. The Tigers shot 26.5 percent (18-of-68) from the field and 25.8 percent (8-of-31) from beyond the arc.

The Tigers (2–1) will host their home opener this Saturday for a non-conference Homecoming matchup against Southwestern College (1-0). Tip-off is set for 3:00 p.m. The game will be streamed live on the Urban Edge Network and SAC Network