TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Rogers State women's basketball (3-8, 1-4 MIAA) earned its first MIAA win of the season with a 54-45 win over rival Northeastern State (4-5, 1-4 MIAA) on the road on Saturday.
 
Kaya Goldsby led RSU with a career-high 18 points with two rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block. Kamryn Estell put up 10 points with two rebounds. Bailey Kliewer led the Hillcats with eight rebounds and three steals to go with four points.
 
In a defensive heavy first quarter, the RiverHawks opened the game on a 4-0 run. RSU responded with a 4-0 run of their own to tie things at 4-4. From there, things remained close with NSU carrying a 7-6 lead into the second quarter.
 
The defensive theme continued in the final 10 minutes, with RSU taking their first lead 10-8 thanks to a 4-1 run to start the second quarter. They were able to push out their lead to 12-9, but the RiverHawks closed out the half on a 5-1 run to retake a 14-13 lead going into the break.
 
The second half saw both teams pick up the offensive intensity, but things stayed close. The Hillcats closed the gap and tied things 18-18 with 7:41 left in the third quarter. NSU managed to take their largest lead of the game 30-24 with a minute left in the period. However, RSU responded with four-straight points to cut the deficit to 30-28 heading into the fourth quarter.
 
In the final 10 minutes, the Hillcats caught fire as they scored 26 points to close out the game. Midway through the period they ripped off a 13-0 run to take a 45-37 lead. They closed out the game on an 8-2 run to secure the 54-45 win.
 
RSU will be back in action on Saturday, Dec. 31 as they travel St. Joseph, Mo. to close out 2022 against Missouri Western. Tip off is set for 1:30 p.m.