Box Score Kearney, Neb. – Freshman Katie Killion scored twice to help Central Oklahoma beat Nebraska-Kearney, 3-1, Wednesday afternoon in an MIAA Tournament first round game in Edmond, Okla.

The second-seeded Bronchos improve to 12-5-2 and will face either Northeastern State or Missouri Western State in Friday's semifinals. The seventh-seeded Lopers, in the postseason for the second team in its seven-year history, finish 2015 with a 5-10-4 record.

UNK, which handed UCO its only home loss of the season back on October 9th, struck first when current MIAA Offensive Player of the Week Kadie Walaszczyk (Houston, Texas) scored in the eighth minute.

Scoring for the third time in the last 98 minutes, Walaszczyk came down the right side and popped the ball past UCO sophomore keeper Ellie Stover.

However, the lead didn't last long as Killion recorded her ninth goal of the year in the 18th minute. The MIAA Freshman of the Year, Killion also scored from the right side and from close range.

Ten minutes before the break, senior Quinn Tookey took a pass from freshman Victoria Neblett and scored from 10 yards out. It was her first goal of 2015.

UCO added some insurance when Killion struck in the 54th minute. This time, she dribbled down the left side of the field and scored from within the box.

The 'Chos outshot the Lopers by a 14-8 margin with nine being on goal. UCO also held a slim lead in corners, 4-3.

"We're proud of our entire group for their efforts this season. We beat two of the top teams in the conference (UCO and Southwest Baptist) and made the postseason for just the second time in our program's young history," said UNK head coach John Maessner.

Walaszczyk and Arizona senior Meaghan Pasbrig each had two shots on goal with Papillion freshman Kelsie Ienn having one.

Off the bench, Omaha freshman Sami Stock played 73 minutes and had two shots. Finally, Omaha freshman keeper Ali Hirschman made six saves.

Besides Pasbrig, UNK's other seniors were Holly Brown (Glenwood Springs, Colo.), Montanna Hosterman (Papillion), Katelin Mielke (Omaha), Ashtin Pawloski (Hastings), Nicole Potthoff (Kearney) and Samantha Rieber (Highlands Ranch, Colo.).

"A big thank you to our seniors who have given so much and helped build UNK soccer. They have all been so important to our program and we wish them well," said Maessner. "Also thank to you Brian Rodine (volunteer asst. coach), Chloe Roberts (graduate asst. coach) and Whitney Ryan (asst. athletic trainer) for all they do for our players. We're excited about the future of Loper soccer and look forward to big things for the 2016 team."