Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska-Kearney softball team is taking an unexpected trip to Hays, Kan., this weekend to take part in a last minute tournament hosted by the Tigers.

Every year, Arkansas-Monticello of the Great American Conference (GAC) hosts a large tournament up the road from its campus in Bentonville, Ark. The event, taking place on seven different fields, draws 25 plus teams from around the Midwest and Southwest.

However, rain canceled this year's edition of the "8-State Classic" so teams were scrambling to fill the void. A number of schools in the field are now hosting small tournaments with one being Fort Hays State.

UNK will face Wayne State and Upper Iowa (Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference), nationally-ranked Harding, Ark. (GAC) and Rogers State, Okla. (Heartland Conference) this Friday through Sunday. Check the tourney website for scheduled first pitch times, field assignments and live stat links.

The Lopers (1-4) are currently led at the plate by freshman catcher/infielder Karlee Arnold (.500, two doubles, seven walks and two RBI's) and sophomore shortstop Kaitlyn Johnson (.400, two doubles and five RBI's). In the circle, senior Meg Housholder (1-0, 2.74 ERA) and freshman Sarah Handrahan (0-1, 1.91 ERA) having thrown well over at least seven full innings. 

UNK heads to Minnesota next weekend for the annual Kelly Laas Memorial Invite inside St. Cloud State's Husky Dome.