ST. GEORGE, Utah - Laurelle Theodore fired Rogers State to a 1-0 victory Thursday night, as the Hillcats defeated Seattle Pacific 1-0 in the season opener at Dixie State's Trailblazer stadium.
 
The game, which was delayed for 79 minutes before the start, lasted just 41 minutes before it was delayed again for another 51 minutes due to lightning.
 
Less than 90 seconds after resuming play from the lightning delay, Theodore took a pass from Kori Watters and chipped keeper Riley Travis from near the penalty spot to give the Hillcats a 1-0 lead.
 
At the other end of the field, junior transfer ReVella Fisher battled very windy conditions to make four saves prior to the lightning delay. After halftime, the junior college All-American made five more saves to stifle at Seattle Pacific team that has qualified for 16 of the last 17 NCAA National Tournaments.
 
Fisher finished the game with nine saves to pick up her first cleansheet for the Hillcats and secure the 1-0 victory.
 
The Hillcats were outshot 6-1 overall in the first half, with Theodore's effort the only shot for RSU in the first 45 minutes. Anita Gaspar would hit the target twice in the second half, but was unable to beat Travis. Maggie Brown and Jennifer Paz also had shots for the Hillcats in the second half.
 
Rogers State will remain in St. George, Utah for its second game, taking on Cal State San Bernardino on Saturday to close out the opening weekend of the season. The Hillcats will kickoff with Coyotes at 11 a.m. Central Time (10 a.m. Mountain Time) at Trailblazer Stadium.