CLAREMORE, Okla. — Rogers State women's basketball (6-9, 3-3 MIAA) fell to Northeastern State (12-3, 4-2 MIAA), 86-44, at the Claremore Expo Center. 

RSU struggled offensively, shooting 27.8% from the field and committing 17 turnovers. The RiverHawks capitalized on these mistakes, scoring 24 points off turnovers and dominating the paint with 32 points.

The opening quarter saw the Hillcats struggle to find an offensive rhythm, as their shooting was limited to just one basket. NSU capitalized on turnovers and fast-break opportunities, establishing early control. A late layup by Marcela Pinedo provided RSU with its first points, assisted by Samantha Shanks, but the team faced challenges in the paint and on second-chance points. The quarter concluded with the Hillcats trailing 15-2, needing to adjust defensively and improve their shooting accuracy moving forward.

Rogers State faced a challenging second quarter as the RiverHawks surged with a sequence of scoring runs. Early on, RSU struggled to maintain possession, leading to turnover-induced points for the Hawks. Ataya Casaus provided a momentary lift with a three-point play at the 6:32 mark, but consistent pressure from Northeastern State widened the gap.

Despite efforts from Destiny Jones, who closed the quarter with two successful free throws, the team could not overcome the deficit. The quarter concluded with RSU trailing 38–11, setting a steep challenge for the remainder of the game.

The Hillcats started the third quarter with a quick layup from Pinedo, assisted by Shanks. Casaus contributed significantly with a 3-pointer and a layup, keeping the team competitive early on. Despite these efforts, the team's scoring was matched by Northeastern State, which maintained its lead through consistent shooting, including a three-pointer by Annaston Brown.

RSU managed to generate points from free throws with Cheyan McDaniel-Deatherage, converting four in the quarter. Ella Hafer added a jumper late in the period, but the RiverHawks extended their advantage with successful field goals and free throws. The quarter closed with Northeastern St. leading 65–33.

The fourth quarter began with RSU trailing, but they quickly attempted to narrow the gap. Kate Melton hit a 3-pointer at 8:42, assisted by Addison Mootry, providing a boost to the home team's scoring. Despite a strong defensive effort that included forcing turnovers, RSU faced challenges in closing the gap as Northeastern St. maintained their scoring pace.

The Cats continued to battle with contributions from Hafer and Isabella Stafford, who each added points, while Pinedo capitalized on a fast-break opportunity. However, the RiverHawks' effective shooting and defensive rebounds allowed them to extend their lead. The quarter concluded with RSU scoring 11 points to the RiverHawks' 21, culminating in a final score of 86-44 in favor of the visitors.

Casaus led the team with 12 points, converting 5 of 12 field goal attempts and adding three rebounds. Pinedo contributed eight points while collecting five rebounds. Hafer scored six points, making both of her free throw attempts and recording a steal. Bailey Layman added four points and secured three rebounds.

Annaston Brown led the RiverHawks with 21 points, shooting 9 of 11 from the field, while adding seven rebounds and two steals. Gracy Shieldnight contributed seven points, going 5 of 6 from the free-throw line, and secured seven rebounds. McKenzie Smith recorded nine points, collected four rebounds, and tallied three steals along with three assists. Ashley Carrillo was effective from the free-throw line, making 6 of 7 attempts and finishing with eight points.

RSU will return to the Claremore Expo Center on Wednesday against No. 11 Pittsburg State at 5:30 p.m.