Kearney, Neb. - The competition will be ratcheted up this weekend for the Nebraska-Kearney women's soccer team as No. 20 Colorado School of Mines visits Friday and then the Lopers travel to Denver on Sunday to face 13th-ranked Metro State.

The Lopers (3-5, 1-3 RMAC) will host the Orediggers (7-1, 3-1 RMAC) at 5:00 p.m. The game Sunday vs. the Roadrunners (8-1, 4-1 RMAC) kicks off at 1:00 p.m. Central.

Fans that cannot attend the Mines game can follow via live stats HERE. On Sunday, you can again keep track of things for free via live stats or, for a price, watch the game on America One.

UNK has already faced nationally-ranked competition this year, losing to then-No. 9 Central Missouri, 3-1, on September 1st and dropping a 4-2 decision to then-No. 3 Fort Lewis September 18.

Mines, who beat the Lopers 1-0 in overtime in Golden last fall, has a balanced offensive attack that features junior midfielder Megan Woodworth (13 points) and sophomore forward Anna Evans (12 points).

On defense, senior Penny Rogers (6-0, 0.51 GAA, 20 saves) has been tough in goal. Scoring at least three goals in five different games this year, Mines suffered a 1-0 loss to Metro last weekend.

The 'Runners already have beaten three nationally-ranked teams and are relying on a tough defense as some young players learn the ropes. Metro has scored one goal in four different games but is 3-1 in those contests.

The offense is currently being led by freshmen forwards Abby Rolph (14 points) and Karisa Price (seven points). Junior Danielle Quigley, a transfer from Division I Buffalo, is in goal (8-1, 0.47 GAA, 35 saves).

In 2010, UNK fell to Metro by a 1-0 score at Cope Stadium.

Individuall for Kearney, sophomore Raliegh Mercer (Centennial, Colo.) continues to lead the team in shots (20), points (eight) and goals (three). She also has taken the majority of the team's 36 corners.

Junior keeper Marissa Niday (Fremont) has played all 720 minutes this season, posting a 1.50 GAA with 35 saves. The UNK defense also includes junior Merydeth Cummings, who has logged the most minutes (635) among position playlers.