Kearney, Neb. - The Nebraska-Kearney women's soccer team begins its third season with home contests against future conference foes Central Missouri and Fort Hays State. 

The Lopers kick off the season Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. against the ninth-ranked Jennies while the Tigers come to Kearney on Labor Day. That game will also start at seven.

Live stats for both games will be available HERE.

Both UCM and Hays are members of the MIAA (Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association), a league UNK will join in 2012. These two teams couldn't be more different as the Jennies are a longtime powerhouse while the Tigers are in their first-ever season.

In 2010, Central Missouri plowed through the regular season with an 18-0 record. They eventually lost to St. Edward's of Texas, 3-2, in the South Central Regional finals.

Returning most of its top players from that team, a balanced attack features seniors Alyssa Rhodes (19 points) and Cara Hennahane (18 points) as well as sophomore Carly Stanley (19 points).

Defensively, UCM didn't allow a goal in eight straight games before the setback to St. Ed's. Sophomore keeper Brooke Cooley finished the year 17-1 with a 0.48 GAA and nine shut outs.

Hays has played two exhibition games, beating Hutchinson C.C. (Kans.) and tying NAIA-member Kansas Wesleyan. They host Division II Newman (Kans.) on Saturday. 

The team featured several transfers from Hutchinson C.C. and Butler County C.C. with head coach Craig Shaw coming in from NAIA Ottawa U. (Kans.).

The Lopers, who went 3-0 in exhibition games this fall, return most of its lineup from last year's 6-9-3 squad that was the fourth most improved in Division II.

Both UCM and Hays will look to slow down sophomores Becka Talcott (16 points) and Raliegh Mercer (12 points) with keeper Marissa Niday (Fremont) back in goal for a third straight season.

Newcomers to watch include junior Merydeth Cummings (Papillion/NW Missouri St. U.) and true freshmen Lauren Hoeft (Holdrege), Delanie Phillips (Millard West) and Ashtin Pawloski (Hastings). 

Next week, UNK heads to South Dakota to face NSIC (Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference) members Minnesota-Crookston and Augustana. The Lopers have never faced UMC but beat Augie, 1-0 in two OT's, last year in Kearney.