CLAREMORE, Okla. — Rogers State women's basketball (1-3, 0-0 MIAA) picked up its first win of the season over Ozark Christian College (0-2), 83-36, at the Claremore Expo Center on Friday night, dominating with 58 points in the paint and 27 second-chance points.

RSU began the first quarter by quickly establishing control with a 3-pointer from Samantha Shanks, assisted by Bailey Layman. Despite an early exchange of leads, the Hillcats capitalized on turnovers, converting defensive stops into scoring opportunities. 

RSU maintained momentum with Cheyan McDaniel-Deatherage's fast-break layup, followed by a successful free throw from Ataya Casaus. The Hillcats extended its advantage through efficient play, including a 3-point shot by McDaniel-Deatherage, assisted by Kate Melton, to close the quarter. The Cats' led the Ambassadors 24–11 at the end of the first quarter.

RSU opened the second quarter with a strong defensive stance, limiting the Ambassadors to just two baskets. Marcela Pinedo and Jaiana Wiggins contributed early with points in the paint, while Bailey Layman extended the lead with a 3-pointer at 7:37. The home team capitalized on numerous offensive rebounds, collecting 12 in the quarter, which led to multiple second-chance opportunities.

Addison Mootry added to the lead with a 3-pointer at 4:21, assisted by Bailey Braxton. Ella Hafer's consecutive layups further extended the margin, including a fast break at 2:31 following her own steal. The Hillcats closed the quarter effectively, maintaining momentum on both ends of the court. The quarter ended with RSU leading 42-18.

The Hillcats established control in the third quarter with a decisive performance, marked by efficient scoring and strong defense. Wiggins opened the quarter with a fast-break layup, setting the tone for RSU's offensive push. Melton contributed significantly with multiple assists, facilitating ball movement and creating scoring opportunities. The team executed a 26-4 run, with Shanks and McDaniel-Deatherage both adding key three-pointers during the stretch.

Defensively, RSU limited the Ambassadors to just one basket, while securing 18 rebounds and forcing three turnovers. Layman and Casaus were instrumental in protecting the paint, combining for multiple defensive stops and a block. The quarter ended with the Cats' extending their lead significantly, bringing the score to 68-22.

RSU initiated the fourth quarter by maintaining control in the paint, scoring 12 points from this area and adding to their lead. Mootry and Kyra Allison contributed key layups, which extended the advantage. The team's defensive efforts were highlighted by Hafer's block, limiting the Ambassadors' scoring opportunities.

Despite the Ambassadors converting several free throws and a 3-pointer, the Hillcats' balanced scoring from the bench kept the momentum. Allison's late layup and a tip-in from Braxton helped seal a strong finish. The quarter concluded with RSU leading 83–36.

McDaniel-Deatherage finished with 15 points, converting all six of her field-goal attempts, including three from beyond the arc. Shanks scored 12 points and recorded two steals, contributing significantly to the team's defensive efforts. Melton posted seven assists and tallied two steals. Layman added five points and collected three steals.

Brooke Nice led the team with six rebounds and contributed seven points, including a 3-pointer, while also securing two steals. Dina Marchoud added four points and matched Nice with two steals, showing defensive strength. Brooka Jones delivered nine points and grabbed six rebounds, providing a balanced performance.

The Hillcats will head to Colorado next Monday and Tuesday, beginning with a clash with the Regis Rangers at 6:00 p.m. in Denver.