On Jan. 23, the University of Central Missouri Jennies defeated the Rogers State  Hillcats 79-59. The Jennies advance to a 10-2 record, while the Hillcats are now 3-8. In the first quarter, the Jennies had a hard time offensively and defensively. The Jennies had a 9-0 run toward the end of the second quarter. The Hillcats kept it close with the Jennies at 41-33 at halftime. Throughout the third quarter, both teams scored back and forth. The Jennies finished strong in the fourth quarter, scoring 18-9. 

  Freshman forward Graycen Holden had a double double, with 25 points and 10 rebounds. This was the first time Holden scored 25 points during one game in her career. Freshman guard Oliva Nelson had five assists and senior guard Morgan Vanhyfte had four steals during the game. Nelson scored 10 plus points in back-to-back games for the first time this season. The Jennies finished with 25/52 baskets made, 9/19  three-pointers and 20/25 attempted free throws. 

  The Hillcats made 24/57 field goals, 3/17 three-pointers and 8/14 free throws. Their junior guard Samariah Thompson led the team with 11 points and four assists. Junior guard Vanessa Gajdosova had seven rebounds, and freshman forward Kloe Bowin had two blocks.

  “They did awesome today. It was a tough fight, but they pushed through and played a great game,” Amy Kanostu, senior music education major and member of the Marching Mules band said. “I’m looking forward to them keeping up their work and making it to Nationals this year.”