Oct. 16, 2008
2009 Maryland Softball Schedule
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The University of Maryland softball team announced its 2009 schedule Thursday, as fourth-year head coach Laura Watten and the Terrapins continue off-season preparations for what promises to be a challenging slate of 55 regular season games.
Looking to build upon a 36-win season in 2008, the Terps play host to 30 games at Robert E. Taylor Stadium during the upcoming campaign, including two tournaments on their home field - the Maryland Round Robin (March 7-8) and the Maryland Invitational (March 13-15).
Maryland's 2009 schedule calls for 24 matchups with 14 opponents who made the 2008 NCAA Tournament, and the Terps face nine foes whom were ranked in the final 2008 USA Today/NFCA Softball Collegiate Top 25.
"My coaching staff and I are excited about the competition that awaits our team in 2009," Watten said. "We have a young but talented team, and we have compiled a schedule that will challenge our players to grow and develop throughout the season."
The Terps open the season Feb. 6 at the Florida Atlantic Tournament in Boca Raton, Fla., against 2008 NCAA Tournament participant UMass. The FAU Tournament also features a showdown with 2008 NCAA Super Regional qualifier Michigan the following day.
Maryland then heads to Palm Springs, Calif., for the prestigious Cathedral City Classic from Feb. 19-22. There, the Terps will face several formidable opponents, including UCLA, a participant in the 2008 Women's College World Series.
A five-game stretch at the Stetson University Tournament in Deland, Fla., starting Feb. 27 precedes the Maryland Round Robin, which welcomes Dartmouth, Manhattan and Gardner Webb to College Park. Following their home opener March 11 against Towson, the Terps play host to the Maryland Invitational, which includes Seton Hall, Delaware, Fordham, Mount St. Mary's and Howard.
The Terps kick off Atlantic Coast Conference play and an eight-game homestand with a weekend series versus North Carolina March 21-22. That series marks the first of four three-game sets pitting Maryland against conference opponents in College Park, as NC State, Boston College and Georgia Tech also visit Taylor Stadium.
In its 2009 conference road schedule, Maryland makes trips to Virginia, Florida State and Virginia Tech, which won the ACC last season.
Other non-conference games slated for 2009 include home doubleheaders against NCAA Tournament teams Northwestern and Hofstra, as well as George Washington and Penn State.
The Terps return six starters from a team that finished 36-23 last season, tallying the third-most wins in school history.
