MOORHEAD, Minn. -- In a hotly contested match-up, the Central Missouri Jennies were able to get past MSUM 69-58 to close out the Dragons Regional Challenge competition.

Today was the seventh meeting all-time between the Dragons and Jennies, and all have taken place in different towns:

• Tonight in Moorhead
• Nov. 13, 2021 in Warrensburg, Mo. (UCM 73-53)
• Nov. 8, 2020 in Aberdeen, S.D. (MSUM 58-56)
• Mar. 9, 2018 in Sioux Falls, S.D. (UCM 66-49; NCAA First Round)
• Mar. 10, 2017 in Searcy, Ark. (UCM 56-45; NCAA First Round)
• Nov. 15, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nev. (MSUM 63-58)
• Dec. 18, 1992 in Mankato, Minn. (MSUM 74-64)

A spirited effort from both squads opened up this contest. A relatively even quarter saw MSUM shoot 37.5 percent from the field to Central Missouri's 38.9 percent. Peyton Boom's six points led the Dragons in a quarter that saw the Jennies leading 16-14. Mariah McKeever chipped in an early five points for MSUM.
 
The second quarter saw more of the same from both teams as they traded baskets and defensive stops on both ends. An Ava Loftus three-pointer helped bring the Dragons within one point halfway through the quarter. By half's end, the Jennies held a 31-23 lead over the Dragons. Central Missouri's 12 rebound advantage was the difference maker with the Jennies getting nine second-chance opportunities, converting those into 12 points. Boom led the Dragons with 10 first-half points. MSUM shot 34.5 percent from the field in the half.
 
MSUM battled back in the third quarter thanks to a combination of efficient shot making and defensive stops. Natalie Jens scored nine points in the quarter to pull the Dragons within one point with just over two minutes remaining in the frame. Central Missouri was able to create a little bit of space heading into the fourth, leading 48-43. MSUM shot 46.7 percent from the field in the quarter.
 
The Dragons would continue to claw back and play from behind in the fourth quarter. Though the Central Missouri lead fluctuated thanks to some extended Dragon runs, the Jennies would not relinquish the scoreboard. By game's end, Central Missouri won the game 69-58.
 
Top Dragons
 
Peyton Boom: 20 points, five rebounds
Natalie Jens: 15 points
Mariah McKeever: Seven points, seven rebounds
Olivia Skibiel: Seven points, five rebounds
 
The Dragons will see action on Wednesday as they open NSIC play against Northern State in Aberdeen. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.