HAYS, Kan. - The Rogers State women's basketball team fell to Fort Hays State University 100-59 at Gross Memorial Coliseum on Thursday night.
 
How it Happened: The Hillcats would not be able to get going in the first quarter as the team would only score five points in the opening 10 minutes while the hosts put up 30 in the opening frame.
 
The Hillcats started the second quarter making the first three baskets of the quarter, but the Tigers would not allow the Hillcats to dig into their lead with the half time score being 53-24.
 
The Hillcats would be unable to comeback from the deficit in the second half, as the Tigers outscored RSU 24-12 in the third quarter before both teams scored 23 in the final quarter.
 
Key Players: Samariah Thompson would lead the Hillcats in scoring with 13 points. Thompson would also have two steals and a rebound.
 
Bailey Kliewer would score 11 points for the Hillcats. Kliewer would record six rebounds and two blocks as well.
 
Vanessa Gajdosova would be the final Hillcat in double-figures in scoring with 10 points. Gajdosova would also tally three rebounds and two assists.
 
Key Statistics: All five Fort Hays starters scored in double-figures while the Hillcats only had one.
 
The Tigers had 21 offensive rebounds compared to 13 for the Hillcats. Fort Hays converted the chances into 27 second-chance points, while the Hillcats finished with nine.
 
The Hillcats would be unable to keep the Tigers from the scoring in the paint as they would be outscored, 54-26.
 
What It Means: With the loss, the Hillcats have been eliminated from postseason competition, as RSU is now unable to qualify for the MIAA Tournament in two weeks.
 
Up Next: The Hillcats will remain on the road and travel to Nebraska to take on Nebraska Kearney in the second of three-straight MIAA road games to close the regular season. Rogers State will tip off with the Lopers at 2 p.m. at the Health & Sports Center, looking to avenge a loss at home in January.