JOPLIN, Mo. — Rogers State women's basketball (2-6, 0-1 MIAA) fell to Missouri Southern (6-3, 1-0 MIAA), 84-67, in the conference opener at Robert Ellis Young Gymnasium on Thursday night.

The Hillcats held a 36-20 advantage in bench points and scored 36 points in the paint. The Lady Lions capitalized with a 40-34 rebounding edge and outscored the Hillcats 23-19 in the third quarter to pull away.

Rogers State began the first quarter with a balanced offensive approach, capitalizing on bench contributions to keep pace. Despite a few early turnovers, they maintained composure with Destiny Jones converting key free throws and Ella Hafer providing a much-needed spark with offensive rebounds and timely baskets.

The quarter saw several lead changes, highlighted by Ataya Casaus' crucial 3-pointer, which briefly put the Hillcats ahead. The Lady Lions responded, but the Hillcats' defensive efforts, including steals by Samantha Shanks and Jones, helped keep the score tied. The first quarter concluded with both teams locked at 17-17, setting the stage for a competitive matchup.

RSU opened the second quarter with a layup by Cheyan McDaniel-Deatherage, tying the score early. Despite strong efforts in the paint, including scoring another layup by McDaniel-Deatherage and a fast-break layup by Kate Melton, RSU faced challenges maintaining possession, resulting in five turnovers during the quarter.

Defensively, the Hillcats matched the Lady Lions in the paint, each scoring 10 points, and they secured 10 rebounds. However, the Lady Lions capitalized on their opportunities, outscoring the Hillcats 20–12 in the quarter, closing with a 37–29 lead.

RSU opened the third quarter with a quick layup by Casaus, aiming to close the gap against the Lady Lions. Despite early offensive efforts, including a steal by Melton and multiple free throws by Layman and McDaniel-Deatherage, the Hillcats faced stiff resistance, trailing 45-35 midway through the quarter.

The Cats' mounted a comeback attempt with McDaniel-Deatherage's three-pointer and a fastbreak layup by Hafer, which narrowed the margin to 50-44. However, the Lady Lions maintained their lead with consistent scoring, including a late three-pointer by Nariah Clay. The Hillcats concluded the quarter trailing 60-48, setting the stage for a challenging final quarter.

RSU opened the fourth quarter with a scoring drive led by Michelle Arens, who contributed with a jumper and a layup early on, narrowing the gap to 66-56. Despite this push, turnovers and fouls allowed the Lady Lions to maintain their advantage.

During the mid-quarter, RSU continued to find success in the paint, with Jaiana Wiggins and Hafer adding crucial points. However, the Lady Lions responded effectively, extending their lead through consistent scoring and capitalizing on free throws.

As the quarter drew to a close, RSU's free throws by Hafer helped manage the deficit, but the Lady Lions' late scoring ensured they maintained their edge. The quarter concluded with RSU trailing 84-67.

Arens posted a perfect shooting performance, finishing with 10 points (career-high) on 5-for-5 shooting from the field. McDaniel-Deatherage led with 11 points and contributed defensively with two steals. Layman was effective at the free-throw line, converting 6 of 6 attempts and adding four rebounds. Melton scored eight points and recorded two steals, adding to the defensive effort.

Grace Frazier led the team with 23 points, shooting 10-for-16 from the field and adding two assists. Clay contributed 18 points, making 8 of her 9 free throws and securing seven rebounds. Ashlyn Alloway posted a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, while also recording three steals. Hattie Pyle added six points and two steals, demonstrating solid defensive contributions.

RSU will return to action on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. in Pittsburg, Kansas, against the No. 8 Gorillas.