ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Rogers State women's basketball (9-13, 6-7 MIAA) fell to the Missouri Western Griffons (7-14, 3-9 MIAA), 67-52, at the MWSU Fieldhouse. RSU had its three-game win streak snapped on Thursday.

Despite a robust defensive effort with 40 total rebounds, the Hillcats struggled offensively, shooting 33% from the field and committing 15 turnovers. MoWest capitalized with 34 points in the paint and a decisive 26-point fourth quarter, securing the victory in front of an audience of 718.

Rogers State began the first quarter with a quick start, highlighted by a fast-break 3-pointer from Ataya Casaus at 8:07, assisted by Samantha Shanks, to take an early 3–2 lead. Destiny Jones added to the momentum with a jumper, extending the lead to 5–2 at 6:58, again assisted by Shanks. Casaus continued to be instrumental, hitting another 3-pointer at 4:37, giving RSU an 8–7 advantage.

As the quarter progressed, Missouri Western responded with a series of scores, overtaking the Hillcats with a series of layups and 3-pointers. Despite a 3-pointer from Bailey Layman at 3:16, which tied the game at 11, MoWest managed to close the quarter on a strong note. They outscored RSU in the final minutes, finishing with a 19–11 lead at the end of the first quarter.

RSU began the second quarter with a strong defensive presence, highlighted by Ella Hafer's steal following a turnover by Tamesha Dozier. This defensive effort set the stage for Samantha Shanks to score a layup, assisted by Cheyan McDaniel-Deatherage, cutting into MoWest's lead.

Mid-quarter, RSU gained momentum with McDaniel-Deatherage's 3-pointer, again assisted by Shanks, narrowing the gap. RSU continued to capitalize on defensive rebounds, with Michelle Arens contributing a layup and Kate Melton adding a 3-pointer to briefly take the lead.

In the closing seconds, however, Missouri Western's Ana Oliveira Dias converted a layup and a free throw, allowing them to edge ahead. The quarter concluded with MoWest leading 26–25, as RSU outscored the MWSU 14–7 in the quarter.

RSU began the third quarter with Ella Hafer scoring a layup to momentarily take the lead. Destiny Jones added to the score with a jumper, but the Cats' struggled to maintain momentum, facing turnovers and defensive challenges. MoWest capitalized on these opportunities, pulling ahead with efficient scoring in the paint.

Despite efforts from Samantha Shanks and Ataya Casaus, RSU could not close the gap as Missouri Western's defense forced several turnovers. The quarter ended with RSU trailing, with the score at 41–33 in favor of Missouri Western.

RSU started the fourth quarter with momentum, capitalizing on fast breaks and bench contributions to add 19 points. Destiny Jones spearheaded the scoring with key layups, while Kate Melton added points from the perimeter. Despite tenacious efforts, including several successful fast breaks and free throws, RSU faced strong shooting from Missouri Western.

The quarter saw MoWest with a robust offensive push, connecting on nine field goals, including three from beyond the arc. Despite RSU's defensive rebounds and turnovers forced, MoWest maintained their lead. As the clock ran down, the Hillcats continued to push, cutting the deficit with quick scores, but Missouri Western's consistent scoring ensured they closed the quarter ahead. The quarter concluded with a score of 67–52 in favor of Missouri Western.

Destiny Jones led with 10 points and contributed two steals. Samantha Shanks recorded eight points and matched a team-high with eight rebounds, adding four assists. Kate Melton contributed seven points, five rebounds and three assists, while also making her mark defensively with one block. Ataya Casaus finished with eight points and added four rebounds.

Mia Morel led the team with 15 points, sinking 6 of 17 field goals and 3 of 8 from beyond the arc. She also contributed three assists and two steals, while grabbing six rebounds. Ana Oliveira Dias added depth with 12 points and a team-high eight assists, complementing her eight rebounds. Sydney Lewis dominated the boards, securing 11 rebounds, including six on the offensive end, while scoring nine points. Lindsey Kelderman provided defensive support with two steals, alongside scoring seven points.

RSU will return to action on Saturday in Maryville, Missouri, against the Northwest Missouri Bearcats.