Claremore, Okla. - Missed opportunities plagued the Rogers State women's soccer team as it dropped a 1-0 decision to Sooner Athletic Conference opponent Oklahoma Christian at Soldier Field on Tuesday evening.
The Hillcat women outshot the Lady Eagles 20-6 in the contest and fired 13 shots on frame, however they were unable to capitalize on their chances and score the equalizer.
The lone goal of the night came in the 32nd minute of play. Taylor Cofer crossed the ball into the box and connected with Rachel Bates who headed the ball in the net from the back post.
RSU had chances to score throughout the game. In the 35th minute senior Chelsea Myers looked to get the equalizer as she beat a defender and shot upper 90 but just missed the goal as the ball sailed over the crossbar.
RSU pounded the goal in the second stanza without avail. Freshman Jianna Piela registered the first shot on goal in the second half for RSU to ignite the offense. The Muskogee, Okla. native blast a shot near post and made the OC goalkeeper Kaitlyn Whitten make a diving save to preserve their lead.
Whitten made back to back saves in the 33rd minute. Tara Garrett crossed the ball into the box and Lauren Hager headed the ball towards goal but Whitten batted the ball away giving Piela an opportunity to head the ball on goal. This time, Whitten grabbed the ball and kept the Cats scoreless.
With the game winding down, the Hillcats registered one final opportunity to score. Piela threaded the ball through the OC defense to a wide opened Devon Bullard who was running onto the ball. Bullard shot but the ball was saved by Whitten.
Sophomore Chelsea McMullin recorded the loss in goal for RSU. The Plano, Texas native grabbed three saves and allowed one goal. Whitten earned the shutout win for OC, making 13 saves.
Rogers State (5-5-2, 2-3-0) returns to action on Friday as they travel to Alva, Okla. to take on Northwestern Oklahoma State at 4 p.m.
