CLAREMORE, Okla. – Despite a second-half comeback attempt, the Rogers State women's soccer team dropped a 2-1 decision to Southern Nazarene Thursday evening at Soldier Field.
 
The Crimson Storm struck first with a goal in the 32nd minute as Kelsi Bussert scored her first of the season. The Hillcats had a chance to equalize just before the break, but a LeighAnn Craig shot was saved by SNU goalkeeper Natasha Fuentes, allowing the Crimson Storm to cling to the one-goal lead at intermission.
 
SNU doubled its lead in the 58th minute with a goal by Katy Crawford that was tapped into the net from after Siara Price's initial shot was stopped off the line.
 
Taylor Neubecker gave RSU its first opportunity in the second frame with a shot from the top of the box, but Fuentes was there to make the save and keep the Hillcats off the scoreboard.
 
Taylor Williams was knocking on the door with back-to-back shots. The first came off a free kick from 30 yards out that skimmed just over the crossbar. The second opportunity came seconds later with a shot from the top of the box, saved by the keeper.
 
In the 76th minute, Kimberlin Bennett put the Hillcats on the scoreboard with a no-doubter fired from the top of the penalty area off a failed clearance from a corner kick.
 
The Hillcats battled to the end of the contest but couldn't find the equalizer. With a multitude of point-blank saves, Taylor Stover kept the Hillcats competitive in the match with nine stops.
 
Fuentes hulled in eight saves and earned the win.
 
Rogers State (0-6) returns to Soldier Field Sunday at 3 p.m. for a game against Texas A&M-Texarkana. The game will be streamed live on the Hillcat Network at www.rsuhillcats.com/live.