The Valpo softball team will take to the field for eight games over four dates this fall, including a home doubleheader on Homecoming Saturday.

The fall slate begins Saturday, Sept. 16 with a trip to Hillsdale, Mich. The Beacons will take on Hillsdale, which won the G-MAC Tournament and advanced to the NCAA Division II tournament last year, and Bowling Green starting at 9 a.m. CT.

One week later, the Beacons will host a twinbill at the Valpo Softball Complex to add to the Homecoming Festivities. The doubleheader against Goshen will begin at 11 a.m.

Valpo visits Trine for a noon CT doubleheader on Saturday, Sept. 30. The host Thunder were NCAA Division III national champions last spring.

The fall season wraps up Sunday, Oct. 15 in Allendale, Mich., where the Beacons will take on Lansing C.C. and Grand Valley State, which made an appearance in the NCAA Division II College World Series last season.

12 letterwinners return for head coach Meaggan Pettipiece in her second season at the helm of the program, while 10 newcomers — nine freshmen and one transfer — will be making their Valpo debuts this year.