CLAREMORE, Okla. – Rogers State women's basketball (1-1) came up short against Southwestern Oklahoma State (2-0) in a 71-60 decision to close out the MIAA/GAC Regional Challenge on Saturday.
 
Two Hillcats finished in double figures. Ella Hafer led RSU with a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds along with three steals, an assist and a block. Jaiana Wiggins put up 10 points with seven rebounds and a steal. Cheyan McDaniel contributed nine points with three rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block.
 
The game was tight from the tipoff with four ties in the first four and half minutes. Unfortunately, the Hillcats were never able to get over the hump and claim a lead because every time they were able to tie things the Bulldogs had an answer on the next possession. SWOSU was able to build out their lead to its largest of the opening 10 minutes at 23-15 and carried a 23-16 advantage into the second quarter.
 
Things didn't get much better in the second quarter as the Bulldogs pushed out to their first double-digit lead at 33-22 with 6:10 left in the half. RSU kept battling and were able to get the deficit down to six points at 36-30, but SWOSU took a 40-30 lead headed into the locker room.
 
The Hillcats continued to grind away at the deficit in the third quarter and were able to get within one possession at 44-41 just over midway through the period. They eventually were able to pull within two points at 48-46 with 1:39 remaining, but the Bulldogs pushed the margin back out to 52-46 headed into the final 10 minutes.
 
SWOSU took over in the fourth quarter as RSU was never able to get with four points again for the remainder of the game. The Bulldogs took their largest lead of the night at 71-58 and eventually came away with the 71-60 win.
 
The Hillcats will be back in action on Friday, Nov. 15 and go on the road for the first time as they travel to Wichita Falls, Texas for a meeting with Midwestern State. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m.