HESSTON, Kan. — Hesston College started strong but couldn't hold off a second-half surge from Central Christian College, falling 66-56 Friday night at Yost Gym. The Larks opened with energy on both ends, taking a 16-10 lead after the first quarter behind six early points from Mariah Hall and a pair of threes from Sarah Beltran. Hesston pushed the margin to 11 midway through the second quarter as Anna McIntire and Keira Pineda helped control the glass, and the Larks carried a 26-20 advantage into halftime.

Central Christian swung the momentum in the third, erupting for 25 points behind three made threes from Charmayne Marshall, who finished with a game-high 20. Hesston stayed in the fight thanks to two threes from Brooke Bettis and a tough finish from Hall, but the Tigers edged ahead 45-43 heading into the fourth. Beltran's fourth three of the night briefly tied the game early in the quarter before Central Christian responded with another push and sealed the game at the free-throw line.

Beltran led Hesston with 14 points and seven rebounds, while Hall matched her with 14 points, seven boards and two steals. Bettis added six points, five rebounds and four assists, and McIntire chipped in six points and three assists. The Larks outrebounded the Tigers 46-42 but were hurt by 18 turnovers and Central Christian's 10 made threes.