Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska-Kearney softball team begins MIAA play this weekend with a road trip to Oklahoma.

The Lopers (4-13) face the 26th-ranked Central Oklahoma Bronchos (13-5, 3-1) on Friday afternoon and then head over to Tahlequah to battle Northeastern State (8-8) on Saturday morning. Check the UNK schedule page for scheduled first pitch times and media links.

UCO, who won the 2013 national title, has outscored its competition by a 106-63 margin. Having drawn 59 walks and recording 53 extra base hits, the 'Chos are 4-2 in Edmond and an impressive 7-2 on the road.

A balanced offensive attack features senior outfielder Carrie Abrams (.467, six doubles, seven RBI's), true freshman infielder Allie Eicher (.450, two HR's, 11 RBI's) and All-American shortstop Morgan Heard (.386, six HR's, 18 RBI's). Finally, Oklahoma transfer Jayden Chestnut (8-2, 2.12 ERA) stars in the circle.

UCO has won four straight over the Lopers.

Northeastern, which hosts Fort Hays State on Friday, has a .500 record thanks to a .271 team batting average and a 3.88 ERA. Having scored 75 runs and given up 77, the RiverHawks are led by senior outfielder/second baseman Jessica Boone (.391, seven RBI's), senior first baseman Paige Gunn (.321, four HR's, 14 RBI's) and sophomore designated player Jess Schuler (.314, four HR's, 13 RBI's).

True freshmen pitchers Gail Young (2.74 ERA) and Sydney Balderrama (3.50 ERA) are both 4-3 on the year. Due to weather, the two teams didn't play last spring in Kearney. NSU swept the Lopers in a double header two years ago in Tahlequah.

Through 17 games, UNK is hitting .293 as a squad with 23 doubles, five triples and five dingers. Junior Cheyenne Hamilton (Frederick, Colo.), a first and third baseman, has four of the homers and thus team-highs in runs (nine) and RBI's (15).

Next, sophomores Alexis Howe (.308) and Alexa Ray (.365) both have eight RBI's with senior outfielder Kaela Samek (Lincoln Pius) and freshman Karlee Arnold (Parker, Colo.) tied for the team lead in walks with nine apiece. UNK has drawn 59 base on balls compared to 68 strikeouts. Finally, four pitchers have logged at least 14.2 innings with freshman Sarah Handrahan (Festus, Mo.) first in K's (25) and appearances (1).

Weather permitting, UNK will host Lincoln and Lindenwood next weekend at Dryden Park.