CLAREMORE, Okla - Rogers State women's soccer (3-11-3, 2-6-3 MIAA) scored back-to-back goals in the first half to knock off Fort Hays State (7-6-4, 4-5-2 MIAA) with a 2-1 decision on a soggy day at Soldier Field on Sunday.
 
"I thought we played really well in the first half and am happy with the result," said Head Coach Chris Jones. "We found an identity and finally put some goals together. The rain definitely played a factor, but our touches were great not only on the two goals but on all our shots in total."
 
Sophia Wickenden and Alix Tirado-Negrete both found their way onto the scoresheet. Despite giving up a penalty kick goal, goalkeeper Tiffany Brittan was excellent in net as she notched eight saves.
 
RSU scored two goals in the first half, and outshot the Tigers 9-4 with four of the Hillcats shots on target, compared to three of FHSU's shots.
 
Both teams took time to feel each other out to open the game with an early start. However, in the 23rd minute, Sophia Wickenden broke the seal with a header into the back of the net off a corner by Alix Tirado-Negrete. Tirado-Negrete scored herself a minute later off a cross into the box from Amaris Jasso. Once RSU built out a 2-0 lead, they didn't let up on the offensive intensity. In the 31st minute, Wickenden almost scored another goal, but FHSU defenders blocked the shot. The deflection landed the ball right in front of Morgan Martucci, who took a shot, but Tiger defenders blocked it as well. 
 
Things flipped in the second half as FHSU took control and outshot RSU 10-2. Six of the Tigers' shots were on goal with the two shots taken by RSU finding their target. FHSU attempted to cut the deficit in half at the 64-minute mark, but Brittan made the save. The Tigers became desperate in the final 15 minutes as they took four shots in the 76th minute, two in the 78th minute and one in the 82nd minute with Brittan adding four more saves to her tally. However, a handball was called in the 86th minute on RSU in the box, setting up a penalty kick for FHSU. The Tigers were able to send the shot just past the outstretched arms of Brittan to get on the board 2-1. The Hillcats were able to hold off the comeback and secured the 2-1 victory.