CLAREMORE, Okla. – Rogers State women's basketball (4-10, 0-8 MIAA) fell in a 74-48 decision to No. 5 Fort Hays State (11-1, 5-1 MIAA) on Monday.
Newcomer Chloe Martin paced the Hillcats with 10 points to go with a rebound and a steal in just her second game in the red and navy. Bailey Kliewer and Kylee Day posted nine points apiece, with Kliewer adding five rebounds and an assist while Day added a rebound. Briana Baker-Bruce pulled down a team-high seven rebounds with seven points and dished out a team-high four assists.
Things were rough from the outset for RSU as the Tigers the opened the game on an 8-0 run. FHSU took their first double digit lead of the game at 16-6 and carried a 21-10 lead into the second quarter.
The Hillcats seemed to find their stride in the second quarter as they managed to outscore the Tigers 17-16 in the period. While RSU battled, FHSU took their largest lead of the half at 35-18. With 3:27 left in the period, the Hillcats pulled off a 9-2 run to trim the deficit to 37-27 headed into the break.
RSU continued to fight to start the second half as they managed to cut the lead to single digits for the first time since early in the first quarter at 39-31. However, the Tigers quickly responded with an 11-0 run to push back out to 50-33. They eventually carried a 52-41 lead into the final 10 minutes.
In the fourth quarter, the Hillcats lack of depth became more evident as Fort Hays State outscored RSU 22-7 in the final period. They eventually claimed the 74-48 win.
The Hillcats will be back in action as they begin a three-game road trip on Thursday, Jan. 6 with a stop in Wichita, Kan. to face off against Newman. Tipoff is slated for 5:30 p.m.