CLAREMORE, Okla. — Rogers State Women's Soccer (3-1-2, 1-0-0 MIAA) cruised to a conference-opening win over Fort Hays State (2-3-1, 0-1-0 MIAA) 3-0 on Friday at Soldier Field. Three different Hillcats scored, and they finished with 14 shots, including nine on goal, while holding the Tigers to four shots on frame.
RSU improved to 3-2-3 all-time against FHSU with tonight's victory. They earned their first shutout win against the Tigers, and it was the largest margin of victory in the series. This win also marked the Cats' first victory in an MIAA opener since 2023.
RSU turned an active start into the first-half breakthrough when
Bella Holland (5) converted a penalty kick in the ninth minute for a 1-0 lead. Before and shortly after the goal, the Hillcats generated attempts from Holland,
Katie Fisher and
Cynthia Solis, and
Kelsey Hogan added a saved shot in the 20th minute off a free kick. The Tigers pushed back with a shot off the woodwork in the 16th minute and forced
Calais Butts into saves in the 25th and 33rd minutes. RSU closed the half by earning corner kicks in the 40th and 43rd minutes and generated late attempts from Hogan and
Zoe Wehrman, as the teams headed to the locker room with RSU ahead by a goal.
RSU expanded its advantage twice in the second half, with
Khari Carreno (3) scoring in the 54th minute and
Taylor Mendez (1) cashing in her first career goal after finishing off
Sophia Brandes' assist in the 68th to make it 3-0. RSU continued to generate chances with shots from Holland,
Rylen Walters, Mendez and
Bailey Morrison, while Mendez added another attempt after her goal. The Tigers pressed late with several shots, but Butts saved Berkley Sparks' effort in the 86th minute, and the Cats closed out the half with the clean sheet intact.
Holland scored the game-winning goal while putting all three of her shots on frame. Butts (3-1-1) recorded four saves over 90 minutes and finished with a shutout. Carreno scored on her only shot attempt. Mendez added a goal on two shots.
Rogers State returns to Soldier Field on Sunday at noon to face Nebraska-Kearney.
