Oct. 17, 2008
Chicago, Ill. -The UIC softball team announced its 2009 schedule on Friday, revealing a tournament slate filled with tough competition from across the country, in addition to its annual collection of Horizon League contests.
The Flames enter the campaign under the tutelage of first-year Head Coach Michelle Venturella, who looks to guide the team to the top of the Horizon League and beyond.
"We are looking forward to the challenges this 2009 schedule will bring," said Venturella. "We want to put ourselves up against quality teams that are going to help our program get back to being a national contender."
UIC opens the season at the Sportco Kick-Off Classic in Las Vegas on Feb. 6, the first of three tournaments the squad will be competing at during the month. While in Vegas, the Flames will face the likes of host UNLV and Conference USA foe Marshall.
The following two weekends lead the team to Los Angeles, Calif. for the Loyola Marymount Tournament on Feb. 13-15, then Orlando, Florida for the UCF Tournament, where they will play Boston College, host Central Florida, Portland State, Oklahoma State and Temple.
After a two-weekend break from competition, the Flames head to Clearwater, Fla. to open March action at the USF-Under Armour Invitational, where they are scheduled to play N.C. State, Hofstra and Ball State amongst the 16-teams in the tournament field.
In the final spring invitational on Mar. 13-15, hosted by Louisville, UIC will face off against tournament opponents Eastern Michigan, Ohio State, Minnesota and league rival Loyola.
Flames Field's opening day will be March 21 when Butler comes to town in the first of four home league series for UIC. The Flames host Youngstown State on April 4 and 5, the Detroit Titans on April 10 and 11 and crosstown foe Loyola on the 22 and 23 of April.
UIC's four league road series see the Flames head to Valparaiso on March 28 and 29, travel north to Green Bay April 15 and 16, east to Cleveland State on April 25 and 26 and close out the regular season at Wright State on May 2 and 3.
The Flames step out of league action three times after the tournament season in 2009, starting with a pair of doubleheaders against SIU-Edwardsville on March 24 and Saint Louis the following day on the 25th.
April will bring on the likes of perennial foe DePaul on the road and at home, beginning with a single game at Cacciatore Stadium on the 21st. The Blue Demons will come to Flames Field in UIC's final home game of the regular season on the 29th.
Indianapolis, Ind. will be site for this year's Horizon League Tournament, hosted by Butler on May 7-10, where the Flames will look to claim their first league championship and NCAA Regional berth since 2004.
"Our team is excited about the opportunities and look forward to the possibilities of the 2009 season," said Venturella.
