COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- Head coach Mark Montgomery  along with the Big Ten Conference officially announced the 2021 softball schedule Tuesday. 

"We are so excited to get this schedule and back out there. Our kids have been working tremendously hard and we can't wait to let their talents show out on the field. This schedule also allows for a great opportunity in being able to play every team in the conference, which should make the season worth all the more while in crowning a true victor of the Big 10," Montgomery said. 

Maryland will begin the spring slate in Leesburg, Fla. at the Sleepy Hollow Sports Complex Feb. 26-Feb. 28. The Terps will play double headers each day against No. 20 Minnesota, Illinois, and Wisconsin, respectively.

A second weekend of play will occur in Leesburg March 11-14, and consist of a doubleheader on Thursday, a single game on Friday, a doubleheader on Saturday, and a single game on Sunday to wrap up the weekend. Maryland will face Purdue (March 11-12) and Iowa (March 13-14). 

The Terps will continue on the road to face Ohio State March 26-28, with a single game on Friday, doubleheader on Saturday, and single game on Sunday. The remaining games throughout the regular season will follow this same structure. 

Maryland will have their home opener April 2-4 against Northwestern, marking their first game in College Park in nearly 700 days after the 2020 season was cut short due to rising concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The Terps will stay home the following weekend in a series against Michigan State April 9-11. Maryland will then hit the road and face No. 18 Michigan April 16-18. 

 Penn State will be the next opponent to face Maryland at home, April 23-25. The Terrapins will then head to Nebraska April 30 - May 2. 

Two opponents will round out the regular season in May. Maryland will find themselves at Rutgers May 7-9, and will finish at home May 14-16 against Indiana. 

The season will begin with no fans in attendance at Maryland athletic events out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of our student-athletes and fans. Maryland athletics is hopeful that some fans will be welcomed to on-campus venues as the season progress and health conditions permit.

Times and TV coverage will be released at a later date.  All dates and times are subject to change.