Huskers Set for Big 12 Semifinals vs. Oklahoma State

Nebraska will play in its first Big 12 semifinal since 2005 when the third-seeded Huskers take on second-seeded Oklahoma State on Friday night at 8 p.m. in San Antonio, Texas. The Huskers advanced past the quarterfinal Wednesday afternoon with a 4-1 win over Missouri, while the Cowgirls defeated Texas Tech, 3-1, in the final match of the day.

Head Coach John Walker's team went through a short practice Thursday at Blossom Soccer Stadium. The Huskers are No. 54 in this week's RPI ratings, while Oklahoma State is No. 7 and ranked No. 10 in this week's NSCAA Top 25.

Last month, Nebraska dropped a 4-2 decision at Oklahoma State as the Huskers gave up two goals with under 25 minutes remaining. The two teams also met in last year's Big 12 Championsip as the Cowgirls shut out the Huskers (3-0) just a month after NU defeated OSU in Lincoln.

Nebraska has a pair of All-Big 12 First Team offensive threats in sophomores Morgan Marlborough and Jordan Jackson. Each scored in Nebraska's first round win against Missouri and the duo has combined for 28 goals and 21 assists this season. Marlborough is the 2010 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year for the second straight season.

Forward Krista Lopez leads Oklahoma State with 27 points on 12 goals and three assists. Lopez was one of four All-Big 12 First Team members this season for the Cowgirls, in addition to forward Kyndall Treadwell (2 goals, 4 assists), defender Melinda Mercado and goalkeeper Adrianna Franch (0.61 GAA, .854 save percentage). Mercado was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year.

Free live video and live stats for Friday night's semifinal match can be found on www.big12sports.com. The winner will advance to Sunday's championship game against either Texas A&M or Oklahoma. That game will be televised live on Fox Sports Net at Noon CST.