Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska-Kearney women's soccer team begins MIAA play this weekend with a road game at rival Fort Hays State and home contest against Washburn. 

Since the Lopers (2-2) play the Tigers (4-0) and Ichabods (2-2) twice this season, the first meeting doesn't count in the MIAA standings. Check the Loper schedule page for kick times and media links. 

Hays is coming off a 9-0 shellacking of Northwestern Oklahoma State. The other three wins came against NSIC (Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conf.) foes with the Tigers tallying at least two goals in each game.

Going 7-2-1 at home last fall, the Tigers roster features four seniors and nine juniors. Australian junior midfielder Eden Stoddard (five), junior forward Kelsey Steffens (three) and junior forward Thalya Dwyer (three) have each scored at least three goals with sophomore Abbie Flax posting a 0.32 GAA in three starts.

Last year, UNK fell to the Tigers by scores of 1-0 (Hays) and 3-0 (Kearney).

Washburn is at Emporia State (1-2-1) on Friday. The 'Bods are on a two-game win streak after losing to NSIC members Upper Iowa and Southwest Minnesota State to start the year.

Coming off a 5-9-5 campaign, Washburn has seen six players tally a goal, including Lincoln East graduate Emily Stauffer (two). She was second on the team in points (seven) last year. That included a goal in a 3-1 win at Cope Stadium.

Later in the season, UNK and Washburn tied 1-1 in Topeka. Stauffer recorded the tying goal in the 60th minute.

The Lopers are coming off a 1-0 win over NSIC preseason favorite Augustana. Through four home games, UNK has a healthy advantage in corners, 20-9, while being out shot by just one, 38-37. By way of comparison, the opposition had an advantage in corners (92-64) and shots (243-173) in 2015.

Using 18 different players in the win over the Vikings, UNK currently has six players that have logged over 275 minutes. That includes junior Marika Van Brocklin (351) and true freshman Molly Willis (360).

In goal, redshirt freshman Allie Prososki (Kearney Catholic H.S.) has two shut outs in four games played. She has recorded 15 saves and has a solid 0.93 GAA.

The Blue & Gold begins a four-game road swing next weekend with trips to Emporia and Topeka.