CLAREMORE, Okla. – Despite a strong second half performance, Rogers State women's basketball (4-3, 0-2 MIAA) fell 58-44 to No. 22 Fort Hays State on Saturday.
 
Alayzha Knapp led the Hillcats and finished just two rebounds shy of a double-double with 11 points and eight rebounds as well as an assist. Both Alyza Aikins and Breanna Fowler put up eight points apiece, with Aikins adding four rebounds, two assists and a steal and Fowler adding two rebounds, two assists and a steal. Kaya Goldsby contributed seven points and seven rebounds.
 
A slow start from the Hillcats set the tone for the first half as the Tigers dashed out on 13-2 run to start the game and carried a 16-4 lead into the second quarter. RSU began to find their footing though as they opened the second period on a 15-8 run to trim the deficit to down to 24-19, but unfortunately had their momentum snuffed out as FHSU closed out the half on a 9-0 run to carry a 33-19 advantage into the break.
 
The Hillcats began to find some success in the second half as they battled the Tigers to a nearly even third quarter with the two sides trading points the entire period. FHSU barely outscored the Hillcats 13-11 in the quarter as they held on to a 46-30 margin going into the final 10 minutes. RSU finally managed to outscore the Tigers 14-12 in the fourth quarter, but unfortunately came up short 58-44.
 
The Hillcats will now go on the road for the first time this season on Wednesday, Dec. 6 as they travel to Emporia, Kan. to face off against Emporia State. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m.