Point Lookout, MO - The College of the Ozarks Lady Bobcats opened SAC play in impressive fashion, defeating Oklahoma Panhandle State 70–54 at Point Lookout, Missouri, on Thursday.

The contest began with Oklahoma Panhandle State jumping out to an early advantage, but the Lady Cats quickly answered with a layup from Keara Mattingley. Allyssa Joyner knocked down a key three to help the Lady Cats build early momentum, stretching its lead to as many as six points in the opening quarter. The first period closed with C of O holding a slim 15–14 edge.

The second quarter saw multiple lead changes, as OPSU briefly pulled ahead before the hosts regained control. Strong defensive efforts, highlighted by blocks from Joyner and Logan Jones, helped swing the tempo back in the Lady Cats ‘favor. At the break, C of O held a narrow 31–29 lead.

In the third quarter, the Lady Cats took control of the game, dominating play in the paint and extending their advantage to 16 points, the largest lead of the night. A surge of fast-break points helped push the score to 58–42 by the end of the period. In the final quarter, key contributions from bench players Savannah Ketchum and Avery Arnold, along with a timely three from Ashlen Garrett, helped the Lady Cats continue to build their lead. The contest closed with the College of the Ozarks earning a solid 70–54 victory.

Keara Mattingley paced the Lady Cats with 18 points, while Allyssa Joyner followed with 16. Ashlen Garrett added 15 points and grabbed seven rebounds, while also making a strong impact on the defensive end. The matchup marked the Sooner Athletic Conference season opener, giving the Lady Cats a strong start as they improved to 4–2 on the year. College of the Ozarks will look ahead to its next matchup against Wayland Baptist on Saturday at 2 PM at Keeter Gym.