HAYS, Kan. — Rogers State women's basketball (6-12, 3-6 MIAA) fell to Fort Hays State University (17-1, 8-1 MIAA), 73-46, at Gross Memorial Coliseum on Thursday. 

RSU struggled from the field, shooting just 25.7%, while the Tigers capitalized on a 34-14 advantage in paint points. Despite forcing 18 turnovers and swiping 11 steals, the Hillcats could not overcome the Tigers' commanding rebounding performance, as the hosts grabbed 57 total boards.

Rogers State opened the first quarter with an early jumper from Ella Hafer, assisted by Samantha Shanks, to take an initial lead. Despite a defensive effort that included steals by Shanks and Kate Melton, the Cats struggled offensively, converting 2 of 18 field goal attempts. The Tigers capitalized on their opportunities in the paint, scoring 10 points, and maintained control by making all five free throws.

As the quarter progressed, RSU encountered challenges in scoring. Ataya Casaus and Destiny Jones contributed defensively with rebounds, but the Tigers extended their lead. The quarter concluded with the Tigers ahead, 17–4.

The second quarter began with the Tigers taking early control, widening their lead. However, the Hillcats responded with a strategic offensive push, highlighted by Cheyan McDaniel-Deatherage's 3-pointer at 2:53. McDaniel-Deatherage continued to narrow the gap with another 3-pointer at 2:23, keeping RSU within striking distance. Despite strong defensive efforts and timely steals, RSU concluded the quarter trailing 38–22.

The third quarter opened with a pivotal 3-pointer by Shanks, assisted by Casaus, narrowing the gap early on. Despite a turnover and some missed opportunities, RSU managed to capitalize with a fast-break jumper by Shanks and a crucial 3-pointer from Bailey Layman, keeping them competitive. As the quarter progressed, Hafer contributed with important free throws and a late fast-break layup by Layman added to the team's tally.

The Tigers countered with consistent scoring, including several free throws and a 3-pointer that extended their lead, ending the third quarter with an 18-14 advantage.

The Hillcats began the fourth quarter with defensive intensity, recording five steals and limiting turnovers to zero. A crucial fastbreak 3-pointer by Addison Mootry at the 4:06 mark highlighted a brief scoring surge. Despite the effort, the Tigers capitalized on efficient shooting, maintaining control with 17 points in the quarter, including solid contributions in the paint.

As the quarter progressed, RSU struggled to convert field goals, shooting 4-for-19, but managed to add points from second-chance opportunities. Bailey Braxton added a late jumper, assisted by Mootry, in an attempt to close the gap. However, the Tigers secured the win with a 73-46 final score, maintaining their lead through consistent offensive execution.

Melton recorded three steals and added six points, contributing defensively and offensively. Shanks scored nine points and collected five rebounds, demonstrating her presence on both ends of the court. Casaus posted three assists and captured two steals, further facilitating her team's play. McDaniel tallied eight points, including two 3-pointers, providing crucial scoring from the perimeter.

Talexa Weeter led the Tigers with 23 points, converting 8 of 8 free throws and securing 14 rebounds. Brooke Loewe contributed 14 points on efficient 6-for-8 shooting, adding eight assists and eight rebounds. Mikayla Pilley hit three 3-pointers, finishing with 11 points and six rebounds. Kaitlin Schumann added six points and two blocks, while Avery Lowe scored eight points and recorded one block.

RSU will return to play on the road against Nebraska-Kearney at noon on Saturday.