Nov. 30, 2007
Columbia, Mo. - Missouri Head Coach Ehren Earleywine announced today that the Tiger softball team will open its 2008 schedule Friday, Feb. 8, in Miami, Fla., at the Florida International University (FIU) Invitational. The Tigers will compete in the three-day tournament along with teams from Virginia Tech, Florida International, Texas-Arlington and Pittsburgh.
One of six tournaments in which the Tiger softball team will be participating, Missouri is expected to take on 35 different programs from 17 different conferences throughout the course of the year. Eleven of Missouri's 2008 opponents competed in an NCAA Regional Tournament last season, with three teams, Baylor, Texas A&M and Washington, advancing to NCAA Women's College World Series.
The University of Missouri will host two tournaments this season, the first beginning Feb. 29, with teams from South Dakota State and Boston University in attendance. Later in the campaign, Missouri will host North Dakota State and Wisconsin in a March 14-16, tournament on University Field.
"Overall, I'm pleased with our 2008 schedule," Earleywine said. "I feel that the out of conference portion has the right blend of competition to allow this particular team to develop properly. Some highlights will include our opening game against Virginia Tech, who in my opinion, features the best pitcher in the country this year (Angela Tincher). UCLA, and Washington always have great teams and of course our exhibition game with Team USA will be something for our players to remember for many years to come."
Big 12 action will begin Friday, March 21 when Missouri hosts Oklahoma State in a two-game series. Game two will be held Saturday, March 22. League competitors Texas Tech, Kansas and Baylor will also play in Columbia, with Missouri traveling to the remaining five Big 12 schools for two game series'.
Tiger fans will have 25 opportunities to watch their softball team in action at home. Missouri's first home game, a doubleheader against instate opponent UMKC, is set for Feb. 20, beginning at 3 p.m. (CT).
Post-season play will begin May 8 at the 12th annual Big 12 Tournament held in Oklahoma City, Okla.
"With softball having so much parity now days, no game/team on our schedule are `guaranteed wins,'" Earleywine said. "We have a lot of preparation to do in order to be ready to compete on Feb 8th, but we are looking forward to getting back on the practice field to start that process."