CLAREMORE, Okla. – Jasmine Guerra made her debut one to remember scoring the game winner in the 87th minute as the Rogers State women's soccer team picked up a come-from-behind, 2-1 win over Missouri Southern in its season opener Thursday night at Soldier Field.
 
The junior defender from The Colony, Texas showcased her offensive upside curling a 20-yard free kick from near the end line into the top corner breaking a 1-1 tie with just 3:24 remaining in regulation. The strike sent the home crowd into frenzy and marked the first win for first-year head coach Scott Parkinson in his collegiate coaching debut.
 
Guerra helped the Hillcats with a three-point performance assisting on the tying goal in the 84th minute. Marlaina Trahant tallied the equalizer on a header off Guerra's free kick. Execution on set pieces proved the difference as RSU capitalized for both goals on restarts in the match's final six minutes to pull off the dramatic victory.
 
The Hillcats employed a bend, but not break mentality during a scoreless opening 45 minutes as the Lions controlled most of the play. MSSU broke through at the 66:54 mark as a deflected clearance ended up on the foot of Carly Cecil. The senior ran up and snuck a 30-yard shot into the left corner for a 1-0 advantage to the visitors, who finished the night with a 15-7 shot advantage, including 13-0 in the opening stanza.
 
RSU had chances to even the match trying to capitalize on set pieces late into the second half getting quality looks, but could not find the net. Addy Pritchard put a header on frame in the 82nd minute off a corner kick before the opening tally came two minutes later.
 
It was another long free kick when the Hillcats finally struck for the first goal of 2016 as Trahant out-leaped the MSSU defender and tucked the header to the back post. RSU continued to apply pressure and did not waste another chance getting the game winner and securing the home win.
 
Tayler Stover kept RSU in the match all night turning aside six shots getting her first victory of the year allowing just one goal.
 
The Hillcats (1-0 overall) return to Soldier Field Sunday afternoon hosting East Central for a regional matinee. The opening kick is slated for 2 p.m. and can be caught live on the Hillcat Network at www.rsuhillcats.com/live.