The Central Christian College women's basketball team rebounded from an opening round loss to win its final two games and capture fifth place at the Midwest Christian College Conference Tournament at Manhattan Christian College on Saturday.

Central Christian (10-16), seeded third, fell victim of the upset in the opening round of the tournament, dropping a 57-53 decision to No. 6 seed Faith Baptist Bible College on Thursday. The Saints bounced back with a 57-35 win over Ozark Christian College in the consolation semifinal on Friday, then downed Calvary, 42-37, in the fifth place game on Saturday.

The Saints trailed throughout the first half in their first round game against Faith Baptist. Trailing by as many as 10 early in the third quarter, Central Christian used a 27-11 run to take a 43-34 lead heading into the final frame. However, Faith Baptist regained full control in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Saints, 23-10, to secure the victory.

Hunter Salmons scored 17 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead the Saints. Crystal Eureste tossed in 14 points.

Against Ozark Christian, Tressa Terry scored a game-high 15 points and pulled down 11 rebounds as Central Christian maintained control throughout, holding a 33-5 lead at halftime.

Salmons added 11 points and 12 rebounds, while Eureste scored 14. The Saints outrebounded the Ambassadors, 47-26.

On Saturday, the Saints stayed in control for three quarters, which was enough to hold on despite a late surege by Calvary. Eureste scored 16 points and grabbed eight rebounds, while Salmons added 12 points and seven rebounds.

On Friday, two Saints were named to the all-conference team. Damia Covington earned second team honors, while Karissa Baber was named to the first team.

The Saints' postseason continues on Wednesday when they travel to Joplin, Mo., for the NCCAA Division II Southwest Region Tournament. Central Christian is seeded fourth and will face the No. 5 seed Dallas Christian College at 5 p.m.

Central Christian College of the Bible women's basketball head coach Reggie Chapple has announced he will retire from coaching college basketball after the 2017-18 academic year.

The former NCCAA Division II National Coach of the Year decided it was time to step away from the game after 10 seasons on the sideline.

“I’ve enjoyed my time coaching at the college level,” Chapple said. “It has given me the opportunity to build long-lasting relationships."

The Saints are currently 10-16 overall and have wrapped up regular season play. They finished 4-4 (tied for third) in the Midwest Christian College Conference regular season and took fifth in the MCCC Tournament last weekend.

On Wednesday they start regional tournament play at Ozark Christian College in Joplin, Mo. Chapple let the team know of his future plans in mid-January.

“The decision to retire from coaching at the college level was very difficult, because I truly love the game," Chapple said. "In the past year, I’ve become aware of how time-consuming this profession can be. My family is at an age where I need to dedicate more of that time in their lives. The Lord just impressed upon my heart that it’s time for a change to take place, which is why I am stepping away.”

Chapple has led four programs at the intercollegiate level, and each stop has required some rebuilding. In eight seasons as a head coach, he has an overall record of 91-130.

At his alma mater, the University of Valley Forge, a former member of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Division II, he took a struggling program and produced three winning seasons with a 56-39 overall record.

Additionally, he led the Lady Patriots to two NCCAA Division II national tournaments with back-to-back East Region championship titles in 2011 and 2012. In 2009-10, Chapple's first season at Valley Forge, he was named NCCAA Division II East Region and National Coach of the Year after the Lady Patriots improved their win total by 10 games with a 16-10 mark.

"Coaching is unique because you have the opportunity to impact so many lives," Chapple stated. "However, as I reflect I can genuinely say that many athletes and colleagues have had a big impact on my life. It was a blessing to be able to teach, but I am extremely thankful for all of the lessons that I’ve learned.”

A Cleveland, Ohio, native, Chapple also had head coaching stints at Trinity Christian College and Moody Bible Institute, both in Chicago. As a student-athlete, Chapple played on the men's basketball team at Valley Forge Christian from 2002-04, surpassing the 1,000 point career scoring mark and earning NCCAA Division II All-American honors.

The fourth-seeded Saints' first test in the regional tournament is No. 5 seed Dallas Christian College on Wednesday at 5 p.m. The winner advances to face top-ranked and three-time defending national champion Arlington Baptist University.

Whether the season ends this week or in two weeks at the national tournament in Greenville, S.C., Chapple has enjoyed the ride.

“Working here has been such a good experience," he said. "I am extremely thankful for the opportunity to coach here at Central, and I’m grateful to other leaders who have given me the opportunity to coach in their programs. I have enjoyed my time here and I am looking forward to the next chapter that God has in store for my growing family.”

The search for Chapple's replacement is currently under way.