Return to the Rockies

9/1/2022 10:06:00 AM

Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska-Kearney women's soccer team returns to the Rocky Mountains this weekend when it heads to Grand Junction to face Colorado Mesa and Western Colorado.

Three years ago, the Lopers were slated to go to Gunnison to take on the CMU Mavericks and WCU Mountaineers. However, stadium issues at WCU forced the event to be played down the pike at Mesa. This year's neutral site games finds UNK (0-1-1) at CMU (0-2-0) Friday night and battling Western (0-2-0) on Sunday afternoon. Check the Loper schedule page for media links.

UNK lost to the Mavs, 1-0, and beat the 'Neers, 1-0, in 2019. The Lopers are now 2-0 all-time against Western and 1-4 vs. Mesa. This will be a homecoming for sophomore and 2021 All-MIAA selection Dolcie Hanlon who starred at Grand Junction High School.

In the preseason Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) poll, CMU was tied for second with WCU coming in 11 in a 13-team race. Mesa went 14-4-0 last season with Western at 5-11-1.

The Blue & Gold is coming off a feisty home showing against Southwest Minnesota State this past Sunday. They tied the Mustangs despite being a player down for the final 65 minutes. Keeper Mackenzie Smith (Lincoln H.S.) recorded nine saves with the offense having five second half shots.

The Lopers host Fort Hays State next Friday and then travel to Washburn on Sunday. These are non-MIAA games.

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