Valparaiso University women’s basketball coach Keith Freeman has announced the Crusaders’ 2009-2010 schedule which includes many as seven games against teams that were in the NCAA Tournament this past year as well as three other games against teams from major conferences.

This year’s schedule is highlighted by road games to Sweet Sixteen participant Pittsburgh on December 8 and Notre Dame, another NCAA Tournament team on December 12.  The Crusaders will head to the San Diego Surf ‘n Slam December 28 and 30 to face marquee teams Auburn, Wake Forest, and San Diego State as well.  A trip to NCAA second round participant Ball State is also on the docket during non-conference play (November 24).

Valpo’s home schedule features visits to the Athletics-Recreation Center by Colorado State on November 22, Central Michigan (December 5), and UAB from Conference USA on December 19.

The Crusaders open the regular season on Saturday, November 14 hosting Indiana Tech and also travel to ChicagoState before hosting Colorado State.  Valpo opens its 18-game Horizon League schedule at home against UIC on January 2 while also closing the regular season on March 6 at UIC.

The Horizon League Tournament will then take place the following week with the league champion earning the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.