Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska Kearney women's soccer team hosts the third-ranked Central Missouri Jennies and Lindenwood Lions on the second weekend of MIAA play.

Unbeaten UCM (8-0-0, 1-0-0) stops by Ron & Carol Cope Stadium Friday at 7 p.m. with LWU (3-5-0, 0-1-0) visiting Sunday at 1 p.m. Check the Loper schedule page for media links.

UNK (3-3-2, 0-1-0) currently ranks fourth in the conference in corner kicks with 41 (5.1 per game). The Loper have taken 19 corners in both halves and two in extra time. Last year, the team totaled 56 (3.1 per game) for the entire season.

After allowing just 19 goals in 18 games in 2016, UNK has surrendered only eight to date. Opponents have tallied four goals in both halves and none in OT with the Lopers ranking sixth in the MIAA in goals against average (1.00).

Offensively, Colorado junior Michaela Hoffman (12), Lincoln junior Tori Weber (12) and Omaha sophomore Megan Merkel (11) are the shot leaders. Merkel has one of UNK's game winning goals, as does Lincoln freshman Megan Cook (team-high four points).

UCM, seven-time defending MIAA champions, has outscored the competition 18-0 this year. They've taken 161 shots (20.1 avg.) and allowed just 87 while also having a huge advantage in corners, 41-15.

Coming off a 6-0 win over Northwest Missouri, the Jennies have a trio of six-goal scorers in seniors Baylie Edwards and Abby Rhodes and true freshman Makayla Toth. This group has accounted for half of UCM's 86 points.

Defensively, senior keeper Ana Dilkes has 38 saves and eight shut outs. A three-time All-American, she recorded five saves in a 3-0 win over UNK last September.

Lindenwood, who is at Fort Hays State Friday night, is on a four-game losing streak. During this stretch, they've been outscored 14-1. The Lions began the fall win back-to-back wins over two NSIC (Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conf.) foes.

Coming off a 10-8-1 season, LWU is led by senior Becky Roberts (17 shots; 10 points) and JUCO transfer Kyleigh Kristensen (14 shots; five points). Senior keeper Mary McGilvray (2.06 GAA) made five saves in a 2-1 (OT) win over UNK last September.  

Kearney heads to Missouri Western and Northwest next weekend.