CLAREMORE, Okla. — Rogers State women's basketball (9-12, 6-6 MIAA) collected a 65-58 win to secure the season sweep over Newman (7-14, 1-11 MIAA) at the Claremore Expo Center on Saturday. The Hillcats remain hot and in the hunt in the MIAA standings with their third straight victory.

Prior to the game, redshirt junior Ataya Casaus was recognized for reaching 1,000 career points against UNK last week in Kearney, Nebraska. The Edmond, Oklahoma, native tallied over 800 points at Seminole State Community College to begin her career.
RSU secured the win by outscoring the Jets 17-14 in the final quarter, supported by a balanced attack with 19 team assists. Newman, despite hitting 10 3-pointers, could not overcome the Hillcats' edge in rebounding, with a 38-32 advantage on the boards.

The Hillcats started with a strong defensive effort, forcing two steals and converting them into points, including a fastbreak layup by Samantha Shanks to take an early lead. RSU capitalized in the paint with eight points and added four fastbreak points, utilizing their quick transitions.

Despite trading leads with the Jets throughout the quarter, the Cats' managed to keep the contest tight. Late in the quarter, Kate Melton's layup, assisted by Shanks, narrowed the gap to two points. The quarter concluded with the Hillcats trailing by a narrow margin, 16–14.

RSU began the second quarter by capitalizing on the Jets' turnovers and maintained control through effective rebounding and timely shooting. Cheyan McDaniel-Deatherage's 3-pointer at 5:46, assisted by Jaiana Wiggins, gave RSU a brief lead. Despite several ties throughout the quarter, RSU consistently answered Newman's attempts to pull ahead.

As time wound down, Ella Hafer sank a crucial 3-pointer at 2:13, pushing RSU into the lead. Shanks sealed the quarter by hitting a pivotal 3-pointer with 35 seconds left, supported by Wiggins' assist, to end the quarter with a 29–26 advantage over the Jets. 

The third quarter opened with Melton hitting a 3-pointer, assisted by Casaus, establishing early momentum for RSU. Despite turnovers, Hafer's offensive rebound and tip-in further solidified the Hillcats position. RSU maintained defensive pressure and converted on crucial possessions, including free throws by Hafer and Shanks, to extend their lead.

Newman responded with a 3-pointer from Delainey Wylie to momentarily close the gap. However, consistent scoring by Hafer and a defensive rebound by Melton kept RSU ahead. Destiny Jones sealed the quarter with two free throws to put the Hillcats ahead, 48–44.

RSU initiated the final quarter by extending their lead with a 6-0 run, highlighted by key assists from Shanks and Hafer, which helped Michelle Arens and Jones convert crucial jumpers. Midway through the quarter, the Jets attempted to respond with a 3-pointer from Monica Redondo, but RSU countered with a fast-break layup by Arens, assisted by Shanks, maintaining their momentum.

With just over three minutes remaining, Wiggins and McDaniel-Deatherage added vital points that pushed RSU's advantage to nine. Newman's late efforts, including a successful 3-pointer by Dani Williams, were not enough to close the gap. Melton sealed the victory for RSU with two free throws in the final seconds. The quarter concluded with RSU ahead 65-58, securing their win with a strong defensive performance and efficient scoring.

Hafer finished with 15 points, converting 6 of 9 field goals and adding seven total rebounds. Shanks recorded 10 rebounds and seven assists, alongside two steals. Melton contributed nine points and grabbed five rebounds while providing three assists. Casaus added eight points and two rebounds, along with two assists.

Paige Craft led the Jets with 13 points, converting 5 of 15 field goal attempts and sinking two from beyond the arc. Carli Carlson contributed with eight points while excelling in playmaking, recording five assists and three steals. Redondo added 11 points. Jaeden McMillin and Wylie both played strongly defensively, each recording two blocks. McMillin also led the team in rebounds, collecting six.

The Hillcats will hit the road on Thursday in St. Joseph, Missouri, against Missouri Western. Action from the MWSU Fieldhouse is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.