Cumberland University

FAYETTE, Mo. - - Cumberland University women's basketball opened its 2026-27 season in impressive fashion on Friday afternoon, earning an 80-65 victory over Central Methodist.

The Phoenix set the tone early, scoring eight straight points before the Eagles could answer. They continued by going on to put up 24 points in the opening quarter to take a 24-16 lead. Central Methodist responded in the second quarter, but Cumberland maintained its advantage and carried a 36-29 lead into halftime.

Cumberland continued to find its rhythm after the break, adding 17 points in the third quarter before pulling away in the fourth. The Phoenix scored 27 points in the final period to close out the 15-point victory and begin the season with a win on the road.

Cara Lee Gilbert led the Phoenix offensively with 18 points, adding three assists and three rebounds in her freshman debut. Fellow first-year Taylor Dolente finished with 15 points and connected on four three-pointers, providing an important spark from beyond the arc. Braley Bushman also reached double figures with 14 points while making her presence felt defensively with five steals.

Emaleigh Tarpley made an impact across the floor, pulling down 12 rebounds and recording a team-high six assists to go with six points. Julia Varpness added eight points and four rebounds, while Faith Colston contributed six points, five rebounds and three assists.

Defensively, Cumberland created opportunities throughout the contest, recording 13 steals and forcing Central Methodist into 16 turnovers. The Phoenix also shot 44.8 percent from the field and knocked down 10 three-pointers to help secure the season-opening result.

Cumberland will return to Puckett Fieldhouse for its next contest, facing Williams Woods as it looks to make it two wins from two to begin the 2026-27 campaign.