CLAREMORE, Okla. –  Rogers State women's basketball (8-20, 2-17 MIAA) came up short in a 69-63 game against Arkansas-Fort Smith (8-15, 12-7 MIAA) in the regular season finale on Saturday.
 
Four Hillcats scored in double figures. Ella Hafer put up 21 points, senior Alyza Aikins posted 15 points,  and Jaiana Wiggins and Destiny Jones scored 10 points apiece. Kate Melton notched seven rebounds, five assists and five steals. Wiggins also collected three blocks.
 
In the first quarter, RSU got off to a fast 7-0 start within the first three minutes of the game. However, the Lions responded and went on an 11-4 run, with the contest tied at 11 with 3:15 left in the period.  UAFS scored two more buckets and led 15-11 going into the second quarter.
 
The Lions came out firing on all cylinders and extended their lead to 24-16 early in the second quarter. RSU managed to stay afloat with layups from Aikins and Melton, but UAFS built a nine-point lead at halftime, leading the Hillcats 31-22.
 
In the third quarter, RSU got within six points with a tip-in layup by Jones with 7:06 to play. RSU kept chipping away by getting stops and only trailed by four thanks to a Wiggins layup midway through the quarter. However, the Lions responded and managed to rebuild the lead to 52-45 going into the fourth quarter.
 
Like in the first quarter, RSU was red hot to begin the final 10 minutes, opening on an 11-2 run and briefly taking a 55-54 lead at the 6:53 mark. UAFS answered back with a three-pointer to go back in front and never trailed again. RSU kept scoring, but could never threaten the Lions, falling short 69-63.
 
With the result, the Hillcats finish the season with a record of 8-20 and a 2-17 mark in MIAA play.