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.

A familiar face to Saints fans is now leading the women's basketball program at Central Christian College of the Bible. Director of Athletics Jack Defreitas, on Wednesday, announced the hiring of former All-American Katelynn Frazier as head coach, effective immediately.

"I have watched Katelynn grow and mature as a leader on and off the court, and most recently as a coach on the sidelines," Defreitas said. "She adds a great deal of energy, loyalty, and concern for the spiritual growth of our student-athletes. I am excited to now watch her lead as the head coach of our women's basketball program."

Frazier replaces Reggie Chapple, who announced his retirement from coaching last month after just one season with the Saints. Last season she served as an assistant coach under Chapple, following a successful four-year playing career.

"I am to grateful to Jesus and to the leadership at Central for giving me this opportunity," Frazier stated. "I know there is a lot of work ahead of me in this new role, but I am confident this is where I am meant to be, and I am very excited to see what Jesus has planned for our women's program."

A native of Dexter, Mo., Frazier was a staple in the Saints' success during her four seasons as a player. She was named the Midwest Christian College Conference's Most Valuable Player as a freshman, later became a two-time recipient of the NCCAA Division II Scholar-Athlete award, was a three-time all-region performer and an NCCAA Division II All-American as a freshman and sophomore.

As a sophomore, Frazier helped guide the Saints to their second MCCC regular season title in program history and a runner-up finish in the 2015 NCCAA Division II national tournament. A knee injury sidelined her for the first halves of her junior and senior seasons, but she went on to finish with 1,306 points in her career for third on the CCCB women's basketball all-time scoring list.

Additionally, the success in college came on the heels of helping Dexter High School to the Class 4 state championships as a senior.

"Success has followed Katelynn wherever she's been," Defreitas said. "I know that she will work hard and pour everything she has into leading our group of young women."

The Central Christian women finished 10-17 overall and tied for third in the MCCC with a 4-4 record in 2017-18. Recruiting will be the highest priority starting out as the Saints endured the entire season with a thin roster.

"My immediate goals as I look to this upcoming season is to expand my knowledge of the coaching side of basketball and bring together a strong roster for the 2018-2019 season," Frazier said. "Spiritual development is very important to me, and I want to push our student-athletes toward athletic excellence. I believe we have the resources to do both of those things."

Frazier graduated from CCCB in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Christian Counseling. In addition to coaching, she will also serve as a counselor in the admissions department at CCCB.