CLAREMORE, Okla. – Natasha Kindred recorded her second double-double of the season leading the Rogers State women's basketball team to a 66-49 win over Bacone in its home opener Thursday night at the Claremore Expo Center.
 
The senior from San Antonio, Texas tallied a game-high 16 points and 14 rebounds leading the Hillcats to the victory and added three of the team's single-game record tying nine blocks. Kindred finished the night shooting 7-of-13 from the floor as RSU dominated the fourth quarter securing the win.
 
Rachel Block got the scoring started and Kindred put RSU in front 8-5 converting in the paint only to see Bacone tie the game with its second three pointer and take a 10-8 edge. The Hillcats used a quick 5-0 run to take control of the opening quarter as Heather Roberts drained a triple. Courtney Smith closed the frame hitting from downtown as RSU held a 16-12 lead through the first quarter.
 
Roberts started period two by extending the lead to 18-12 on a long jumper, but the Lady Warriors cut into the deficit with five-consecutive points. Carlye Bohannan gave the Cats their largest lead of the half in the closing seconds by driving to the basket and converting an old-fashioned, three-point play, putting RSU ahead 27-20 at halftime.
 
Bacone connected on three triples in the first 99 seconds of the third quarter getting within two, 31-29, but the Hillcats took charge over the next six minutes for an 11-point lead. RSU held on to a 46-38 lead at the end of the frame.
 
In the fourth quarter, the Hillcats scored 13 of the first 15 points for a commanding 59-40 margin as Danielle Carr knocked down a trey and closed out the victory, 66-49.
 
Roberts and Smith reached double figures for RSU coming off the bench for 13 and 11 points, respectively, combining to hit five of the team's six three pointers. Lauren Schuldt blocked four shots, which ranks seventh in single-game history, and added six points and six rebounds.
 
Jasmine Flanagan paced Bacone with 12 points as 11 different players scored at least one point for the Lady Warriors.
 
The Hillcats (2-1 overall) return to the court Saturday hosting Ecclesia at 2 p.m. for Homecoming at Rogers State. Follow the action live on the Hillcat Network at www.rsuhillcats.com/live.