CLAREMORE, Okla. — Rogers State women's basketball (9-16, 6-10 MIAA) fell to RV Central Missouri (20-5, 14-2 MIAA) 67-45 at the Claremore Expo Center on Thursday night.
 
The Hillcats managed to keep the score close at halftime, trailing 28-18, but the Jennies pulled away in the second half, aided by a strong third quarter. The Hillcats recorded 15 assists and eight steals but were out-rebounded 42-32.
 
The game began with Rogers State striking first as Destiny Jones scored a jumper off an assist from Kate Melton at 9:10. Central Missouri quickly responded with a layup by Taylor Weishaar. RSU briefly took the lead with a three-pointer from Ataya Casaus, assisted by Melton, at 8:11. However, the Jennies gained momentum with Reese Schaaf contributing a layup and a free throw, helping their team to a 21-11 lead by the end of the first quarter. Hayden Heim capped off the scoring for the Jennies with a jumper in the final second, assisted by Rylee Vierthaler.
 
Central Missouri and Rogers State concluded the second quarter with each team adding seven points to their totals. Central Missouri's Neely Schaaf hit a three-pointer at the 6:34 mark, assisted by Makenzie Farmer, to extend their lead. The Hillcats responded with Jones scoring a layup with an assist from Casaus at 7:35. The half ended with Jones sinking a jumper in the final seconds, bringing the score to 28-18 in favor of Central Missouri.
 
In the third, UCM extended its lead with efficient shooting, converting 9 of 14 field goals and adding two free throws. Weishaar contributed significantly with a layup at the 3:25 mark, pushing the score to 43-30. Schaaf played a key role, providing multiple assists and scoring from the line. The Hillcats struggled to keep pace but saw contributions from Jones, who scored a layup and added two free throws late in the quarter, closing the gap to 50-32 by the end of the third.
 
Central Missouri maintained control in the fourth, securing a 17-13 scoring advantage over RSU. Marcela Pinedo ignited the Hillcats with a fast-break layup at 8:28, followed by a three-pointer from Casaus at 6:19, cutting the deficit to 17 points. Central Missouri responded with a pair of three-pointers from Schaaf, including one at the 4:12 mark, keeping the Jennies ahead. Central Missouri would go on to claim a 67-45 victory.
 
Casaus led the Hillcats with 15 points, converting 3 of 4 from beyond the arc. Jones scored 12 points and added two steals. Melton contributed significantly with five assists and three steals.
 
Schaaf led the Jennies with 23 points, connecting on 8 of 16 from the field, including two 3-pointers, and added 14 rebounds. Weishaar contributed 15 points and secured eight rebounds, while also recording two blocks. Vierthaler added seven points and four assists, shooting 3 of 4 from the field. Jolie Bonderer provided defensive support with two steals and three assists.
 
The Hillcats will return to the Claremore Expo Center on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. against Washburn. Seniors Michelle Arens, Ella Hafer, Bailey Layman, Cheyan McDaniel-Deatherage, Samantha Shanks, Isabella Stafford and Jaiana Wiggins will be recognized right after the game.