Kearney, Neb. – University of Nebraska Kearney soccer team picked up its first ever conference win beating Mesa State College, 2-1, Friday afternoon at Cope Stadium.

Before today's win the Lopers were 0-14-1 in conferences games. Last year Mesa State beat UNK, 5-0, at home.

Both teams were ranked in this week central regional rankings, Mesa State was ranked fourth while UNK came in at a tie for the sixth spot. Mesa State was previously ranked 22nd in Division II.

Last time UNK had a come from behind victory dates back to the first ever soccer game played in UNK history, against Wayne State (NE). In addition to the comeback win, the Lopers scored their third ever first half goal.

The other first half goals were against Minnesota State University-Moorhead in the 19th minute and Adams State College in the second minute of the game.

The Mavericks got the first goal of the game from Stephanie Whigham, who scored on shot misplayed by the Lopers defense in the box at the 14 minute mark of the first half.

The Lopers would come back to tie the game at 1-1, when sophomore Alicia Crawford (Kearney, NE/Kearney Catholic) headed the ball to the back of the net from freshman Sara Downey (Scottsbluff, NE/Scottsbluff) took a shot from about 15 yards out.

Nebraska Kearney would score the game winning goal three minutes into the second half off a rebound shot off the post from true freshman Becka Talcott (Denver, CO/Cherry Creek), it her third goal of the year and third game winner.

Mesa State outshot the Lopers 18-8, including an 11-3 edge in the second half and had an advantage in corner kicks (8-0).

UNK returns to action on Sunday at 1 p.m. against nationally ranked Fort Lewis College.