CLAREMORE, Okla. — Rogers State women's basketball (9-17, 6-11 MIAA) fell to Washburn (19-7, 12-5 MIAA), 87-60, at the Claremore Expo Center on Senior Day. RSU late schedule struggles continue with their fifth straight loss.
 
Seniors Michelle Arens, Ella Hafer, Bailey Layman, Cheyan McDaniel-Deatherage, Samantha Shanks, Isabella Stafford and Jaiana Wiggins were honored following today's game for Senior Day. This group has laid a strong foundation for the women's basketball team, which has achieved its most MIAA wins to date since the 2021-22 season. RSU has two games remaining in league play and is still in contention for its first MIAA Tournament appearance.
 
RSU initiated the game with a quick start, highlighted by Hafer's consecutive free throws and a layup, giving them an early lead. Kate Melton's pivotal steals and assists significantly contributed, keeping the Hillcats competitive throughout the quarter. Despite this, Washburn's effective perimeter shooting allowed them to edge ahead, concluding the first quarter with RSU trailing narrowly, 18-16.
 
The Cats faced a challenging second quarter as Washburn extended their lead. A notable play b yLayman, hitting a 3-pointer with an assist from Melton at 6:14, showcased RSU's efforts to regain momentum. Despite a layup by Hafer assisted by Melton at 1:44, RSU struggled as the quarter ended with the Hillcats trailing 41-23. 
 
In the third quarter, RSU narrowed the gap with impressive shooting, hitting 7 of 9 from the field, including a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc. Destiny Jones contributed effectively with layups and free throws, while Ataya Casaus added key 3-pointers. Despite Washburn's efforts in the paint, RSU captured a 23-19 advantage in the quarter, but the game proceeded with the Ichabods leading 60-46 heading into the fourth.
 
RSU struggled to contain Washburn's offense down the stretch, resulting in multiple 3-pointers and strong play inside. The Ichabods tallied with five 3-pointer in the fourth alone. The game concluded with Washburn claiming the 87-60 victory.
 
Layman scored 17 points and collected four steals. Hafer finished with 14 points and five rebounds. Melton recorded eight assists and added five points, while Wiggins posted two blocks and contributed five points.
 
Payton Sterk led the Ichabods with an impressive 31 points, converting 10 of 15 field goals, including seven 3-pointers, and added four steals. Gabi Giovannetti contributed 16 points, hitting six of nine shots with four 3-pointers. Yiibari Nwidadah scored 11 points and dominated the boards with 15 rebounds. Brooke Gomez facilitated the offense with six assists, while Kellyn Hunter added four assists and two steals.
 
RSU women's basketball will hit the road on Wednesday to take on NSU at 5:30 p.m.