WARRENSBURG, Mo. - Rogers State women's basketball (7-18, 1-15 MIAA) fought hard and got within two points late at Central Missouri (15-12, 6-9 MIAA), but could not complete the comeback as they came up short 66-57 on Thursday night.
 
"We battled all night and did some really good things on offense and defense," said head coach Heather Davis. "Our players do not back down and are tough. Give Central Missouri credit, as they hit open shots down the stretch. We did a great job guarding but could not hit shots down the stretch."
 
Ella Hafer led the Hillcats in scoring and rebounds, as she scored 16 points and grabbed seven boards. Kate Melton scored 14 points, a team-high six assists and a block. Jaiana Wiggins also collected six rebounds and two steals. Alyza Aikins and Cheyan McDaniel both recorded two steals.
 
In the first quarter, RSU built a small lead, but the Jennies hit some shots and tied the game at 11. Down by a point with under a minute left, Emma Kay Martin hit a layup to give the Hillcats a 15-14 lead going into the second quarter.
 
The final 10 minutes of the half went back and forth, with neither side leading by more than three points. However, the Jennies completed an old-fashioned 3-point play with a minute left, taking a 30-27 lead into the break.
 
The Hillcats kept pace with the Jennies in the third and managed to outscore UCM 17-16. Melton tied the game with a pair of free throws with 33 seconds remaining in the period, but the Jennies hit a short jumper at the end of the quarter, staying on top 46-44 going into the fourth quarter.
 
In the fourth quarter, UCM built their lead out to 50-44, but RSU came roaring back to cut the deficit down to two points at 54-52 with 2:57 left. Unfortunately, the Jennies closed the contest on a 12-5 run to secure a 66-57 win.
 
RSU returns to action in the regular season road finale on Saturday, Feb. 22 when they travel to Topeka, Kan. to face off against Washburn. Tipoff is set for 1 p.m.