Kearney, Neb. - Nebraska-Kearney head softball coach Holly Carnes today announced the names of seven high school seniors who will play for the Lopers next spring.

The group includes four players from Blair High, who is two-time defending Class B state champions. The four-some is outfielder Whitney Frederick, 1b/3b Sarah Rome, infielder Rose Smith and pitcher/utility player Olivia Warrick

The Lopers already have two Blair graduates on the team in senior-to-be Cassie Keck (3b) and sophomore-to-be Taylor Fernau (OF). In addition, one of last year's four seniors, starting shortstop Kelsey Smith, also is a Blair native and will serve as a graduate assistant coach in 2011.

The other newcomers are Bennington pitcher/utility player Bailey Backhuus, North Platte catcher Jennifer Kramer and Grand Island Senior High outfielder Emily Mierau

Kramer earned honorable mention Class A all-state honors with Rome (.358) on the Class B  all-state first-team. Finally, Frederick and Warrick were on the Class B all-state honorable mention squad.

UNK went 15-30 in 2010 and made the RMAC Tournament.