JOPLIN, Mo. - The Rogers State women's soccer team couldn't fight off the Missouri Southern State offense on Thursday evening as the Hillcats fell 6-1 at Hal Bodon Field.
 
The Lions jumped out an early advantage in the fourth minute as Karley Thomas tallied her first goal of the season to give MSSU the lead.  The Lions continued to dominate the stanza with three more goals before intermission.
 
Samantha Snow gave RSU its first scoring opportunity in the 28th minute but MSSU goalkeeper Shawnee Phillips made the save to keep RSU scoreless.
 
RSU avoided the shutout with a goal just before halftime as Courtney Tucker came off the bench to score her first goal of the season with some help from Marlaina Trahant and Randye Sharp with the double assist.
 
The Hillcats battled back in the second half, holding the Lions off the scoreboard until the 79th minute as Bailey North registered her first goal of the season. Hannah Cook rounded out the scoring for MSSU two minutes later, securing the 6-1 victory.  
 
Freshman Taylor Stover suffered the loss in goal for RSU with six goals allowed while making four saves. Phillips earned the win for the Lions with four save, allowing just one goal.
 
Rogers State (0-3) will return to action Friday evening with its home opener at Soldier Field against Oklahoma Wesleyan. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. and free popsicles will be available to all fans while supplies last. The game will be streamed on the Hillcat Network at www.rsuhillcats.com/live.