CLAREMORE, Okla. — Rogers State women's soccer (1-4-4, 1-2-1 MIAA) secured its first win of the season with a 2-0 victory over Missouri Southern (2-5-3, 0-2-2 MIAA) on Sunday afternoon at Soldier Field. 

The first half between RSU and MSSU concluded scoreless, with both teams showcasing strong defensive efforts. Calais Butts was instrumental in goal, recording several key saves, including stops against shots from MSSU's Daniela Marquez and Presley Whitmire. The Lions' Bella Smith also contributed defensively, saving attempts by Kelsey Hogan at both the bottom left and top left of the goal. The half saw a total of 16 shots combined from both teams, accompanied by numerous fouls.

The Hillcats secured the win with a pair of second-half goals. The match saw an early defensive standoff, with Bella Holland's shot saved by MSSU's goalkeeper Smith. Smith continued her strong performance with multiple saves, including a shot from Brooke Hartshorn and Kenzie Macklin. Macklin (2) eventually broke through with the game's first goal. Holland extended the lead with her first career goal, assisted by Courtney Castleberry off a well-placed corner, sealing the win for the Cats. 

Butts recorded eight saves, leading to the first clean sheet of 2025 for the Hillcats. Macklin scored the game-winning goal, contributing one of her five shots in the match. Castleberry added to the offensive effort with an assist and 90 minutes played. Holland also found the back of the net, scoring one goal on three shots.

For Southern, Smith made seven saves in goal, facing a total of 18 shots and allowing two goals. Chloe Kondracki contributed to the offensive effort with two shots, one of which was on goal. Nathalia Luiz led the team with three shots, though none were on target. Whitmire was a key player with four shots, three of them on goal. Mara Becker also applied pressure, registering two shots, both on goal.

Rogers State will return to action on Sunday, October 12, to take on the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats (6-2, 3-0 MIAA). Kickoff from Soldier Field is set for 1 p.m.