Monday, December 10, 2007

2008 Softball Schedule

Valparaiso University head softball coach Randy Schneider announced his 2008 schedule today, which is highlighted by 16 home games over ten dates at the Valparaiso University Softball Field.

The Crusaders will prepare for conference play by traveling to four early-season tournaments.  Valpo will play a total of 24 games from February 21 through March 16 at the Tulsa Invitational, Rebel Spring Games, Kentucky Frostbite Classic and Maryland Spring Break Classic.

Valpo will kick off its inaugural season of Horizon League play by hosting Green Bay at the Valparaiso University Softball Field for a three-game series on March 22-23.  The Crusaders will also host Loyola, Butler and Youngstown State in league action, while traveling to Detroit, UIC, Wright State and Cleveland State.

A doubleheader April 3 at 2007 Women’s College World Series participant DePaul highlights the non-conference portion of the Crusaders’ schedule.  Valpo will also travel for doubleheaders at Central Michigan, IPFW and Purdue.  The Crusaders are hosting Ball State and Northern Illinois for doubleheaders, and will wrap up home play May 1 with a single game against Notre Dame.

The Horizon League Championship will be held in Chicago, Ill. from May 8-11, hosted by Loyola.  The league champion will receive an automatic bid into the 2008 NCAA Tournament.