Valparaiso University head softball coach Randy Schneider has announced his 2006 softball schedule.

The 53-game slate features three NCAA Tournament teams from a year ago, including DePaul, who advanced to the 2005 Women's College World Series. The Blue Demons and Crusaders will square off at the Valparaiso University Softball Field on April 4, with two games beginning at 3:00 p.m.

The 2006 Valpo season opens March 4 at the Rebel Spring Games in Orlando, Florida where the Crusaders will play 12 games in nine days. Valpo's non-conference slate also includes a home game against Notre Dame, another NCAA Tournament team from a year ago, April 25 at 5:00 p.m. Other non-conference opponents include Purdue, Northern Illinois and Central Michigan.

The Crusaders begin Mid-Continent Conference play on March 24 in Cedar City, Utah against Southern Utah, and close the season with four games May 5-6 at home against UMKC.

Last season, the Brown and Gold finished 12-40-1 overall, with a 10-11 mark in the Mid-Con.