CLAREMORE. Okla. – The Rogers State women's basketball team fell Thursday night to No. 9 Fort Hayes State, 71-56, at the Claremore Expo Center in MIAA play.
 
The Hillcats (5-12, 5-12 MIAA) battled the top-10 ranked Tigers (15-2, 15-2 MIAA) early and led in the second half. Despite four lead changes and seven times the game was tied, Rogers State could not contain the high-scoring offense from the Tigers, despite two Hillcats finishing in double figures. 

How It Happened: The Tigers jumped out to an early lead, but the Hillcats responded and took the lead at 6-5. Fort Hays would go back in front, but the Hillcats stayed within one possession for most of the quarter. The Tigers made a late basket to take an 18-13 lead into the second quarter.
 
In the second quarter, the two teams continued to trade baskets. After Fort Hays went up by six at 23-17, Rogers State responded with a 5-0 run and then five of the last eight points to close the half tied at 32.
 
Rogers State took the lead early in the second half with a jumper from Vanessa Gajdosova. Samariah Thompson then gave RSU a 36-34 lead with 7:35 left in the third, but it would be the last time the Hillcats were in front.
 
Fort Hays State responded with a 16-2 run over a five-minute stretch to take control of the game. The Hillcats would cut the deficit to single-digits late in the quarter, but the Tigers would close the third on a 4-0 run and led by double figures the rest of the way.

Key Statistic: After nearly identical shooting performances in the first half from both teams, Fort Hays shot 54 percent (15-for-28) from the field in the second half, while holding the Hillcats to just 33 percent (9-for-27) shooting from the field and just one three pointer.
 
Players of Note:  Gajdosova finished the game with her first career double-double. The junior scored 17 points along with setting a new career high in rebounds with 10. Gajdosova also had two blocks, two steals and an assist.

Thompson was the only other Hillcat in double figures, finishing with 13 points. She added two steals and a pair of assists. Thompson led the Hillcats at the free throw line, going 5-of-7 from the stripe.
 
Shay Stone finished the game with 5 rebounds and a pair of blocks. She also setting a new career high with two assists and had four points.
 
Kloe Bowin finished with 7 points, shooting 3-for-3 from the field. She also had two rebounds.

Notes from the Game: Fort Hays State outrebounded Rogers State 40-32. The Tigers also led the Hillcats on the offensive glass 8-7 and in second-chance points 10-6.
 
Rogers State had just seven assists on made baskets in the game, compared to 16 from the Tigers.
 
The Hillcats recorded six blocked shot on the night. Rogers State has had at least four blocked shots in six of the last eight games.
 
Rogers State outscored the Tigers in fast-break points 10-3.
 
Up Next: Rogers State will remain at the Claremore Expo Center and welcome in No. 13 Nebraska-Kearney on Saturday for the second of three-straight games at the Expo to close out the home schedule for 2020-21. The Hillcats are set to tip off with the Lopers at 1:30 p.m.