Forward Alyssa Schwartz erupted for a career-high 25 points as the Central College women's basketball team raced to an 83-74 victory over Westminster College (Mo.) Tuesday night.

The Dutch (3-1) have already exceeded last year's season wins total and are off to their fastest start since 2001-02.

Central shot a scorching 61.2 percent from the floor (30-49) and held off a late Westminster surge.

Schwartz drilled 10 of 12 shots, including a pair of 3-pointers, in a breakout performance. She also had a game-high seven rebounds. Schwartz was slowed by a foot injury much of her freshman year and was off to a sluggish start in the early going this season.

"Alyssa had a great game," coach Jerry Nikkel said. "She even hit a big 3 when they were making their run. But when you're feeling it, you're feeling it. And she really did a nice job of taking the ball to the basket."

But Schwartz was not the only story. The Dutch placed four players in double figures. Guard Jordan Waddell added 14 points and four assists while forward AJ Baker scored 13 and forward Kelsey Schuring had 10.

"We had good games from a lot of people," Nikkel said. "Jordan Waddell did another nice job and Katie Kepford gave us a lift off the bench. Kelsey Schuring had a great second half and really got us rolling.  AJ Baker had her best game of the season. She was under control and making good decisions.

"And Annie Sarcone , it's so nice to have a player on the bench who can come in and do the things she does for you."

Central trailed by as many as six points in the first half, moved ahead by five late in the half but trailed 38-37 at the break. The Dutch were down 45-43 with 16:59 left before reeling off nine unanswered points for a 52-45 advantage. They never trailed again but saw a 12-point lead whittled to 73-70 with 1:49 remaining. But a Schwartz 3-pointer at the 1:35 mark sparked a 5-0 burst to put the game out of reach.

The Dutch prevailed despite committing 32 turnovers and yielding 19 offensive rebounds to Westminster. But Central still held a 38-34 advantage on the glass and limited Westminster to 34.2 percent shooting.

"That was a good win against a good team," Nikkel said. "We really haven't prepared for that kind of defensive pressure. We made some mistakes but we adjusted pretty well."

The schedule takes a nasty turn this weekend. Central journeys to Orange City to meet Northwestern College Friday at 6 p.m. The Red Raiders are ranked No. 1 in the NAIA Division II. The Dutch then battle Dordt at Orange City Saturday at 2 p.m.