(Rolla, Mo.) - The Missouri S&T women's soccer team will face a pair of tough tests as it kicks-off its 2013 campaign this weekend. The Lady Mienrs will travel to Kansas City, Mo., on Friday to take on the Rockhurst Hawks at 5 p.m. and then return home on Sunday to face the Cardinals of William Jewell beginning at 12 p.m.

The Hawks, picked to finish fifth in the GLVC, open their season tonight hosting Washburn at 7 p.m. Rockhurst returns its top three scorers from last season led by Taylor Skala with 12 goals and 24 points. Kasey Lierz contributed four goals and 12 assists to the attack while Katie Kujawa scored five goals and added three assists. The Hawks will have a new face defending the goal with the loss of Lucy Sullivan. Caitlin Winschel returns from last year's team having played in two contests making one start and allowing a pair of goals. Freshman Ali Wallner could also see time in goal as well.

Friday's match-up will be the 18th all-time meeting between S&T and Rockhurst with the Hawks holding a 10-6-1 lead in the series. Last year Rockhurst defeated the Lady Miners 6-1. This will be the ninth meeting all-time in Kansas City with Rockhurst holding a 6-2. S&T has not defeated the Hawks in Kansas City since 2000 when they defeated them 5-1.

The Cardinals enter this weekend's action at 2-0 after upseting 23rd ranked Central Oklahoma at home this past Saturday 3-2. They then defeated Missouri Western on Tuesday 5-2 in St. Joseph. WJC, picked to finish second in the GLVC, is ranked 13th in this weeks NSCAA rankings. Sarah Franklin leads the team in scoring with three goals and two assists in the first two matches. Leah Connery has added two goals while Ashley Licata, Justine Dover and Jade Gifford have scored a goal apiece.

Sunday's game will be the third meeting all-time between S&T and William Jewell with the series tied 1-1. The Lady Miners defeated the Cardinals 4-3 in overtime in 2011 in Rolla. Leah Williams scored three goals including the game-winner just over a minute into the extra frame. Last seasn WJC won 2-0 in Liberty behind a pair of goals from Franklin.

Live stats vs. Rockhurst

Live stats vs. William Jewell

Game Notes