SPRINGDALE, Ark. - The Rogers State women opened the 2010 campaign with a bang defeating Ecclesia College, 86-32.

Senior Candice Stewart led the Hillcats in scoring with 21 points as RSU outpaced Ecclesia 21-0 in points off turnover.

The Royals claimed their only lead of the game at 3-2, two minutes into the game but the Hillcats responded with an 11-0 run topped off by a layup by senior guard Angie Criner with 10:34 remaining in the first half.

The Cats continued to build upon their lead shooting 50 percent from behind the arc while limiting Ecclesia to 24 percent shooting from the field. The Hillcats entered intermission leading the home Royals, 47-13.

Sophomore post Logan Froese had a career day in rebounds and assists. The Claremore, Okla., native pulled in 16 boards and had 4 assists for the Cats while tallying 6 points.

Stewart tied school records for free throws made and free throws attempts going 11-of-14 from the charity stripe. RSU out rebounded the Royals 48-31 while dominating points in the paint 34-14. The Cats forced 19 of the Royals 32 turnovers.

Senior guards Angie Criner and Cortney Crockett rounded out the double digit scoring for the Cats. Criner tallied 18 points as she was able to snake her way into the paint throughout the course of the contest, while Crockett added 11 points for the Hillcats.

Rogers State home opener is Thursday, Nov. 11 at the Claremore Expo vs. Hillsdale Freewill Baptist. The game will be broadcast on RSU Radio 91.3FM with tip time set for 7 p.m.