Valparaiso University head softball coach Randy Schneider has announced his 2005 softball schedule.

The Crusaders have eight teams on the schedule this year that qualified for the NCAA Tournament in 2004, so Valpo will play a difficult schedule.

Valpo will open the season at the Southern Illinois Classic against the host Salukis on March 5. Ball State and Kansas complete the tournament field. The Crusaders will travel to Oklahoma, a Women's College World Series team from last year.

The Brown and Gold will also play at the Shocker Invitational against Nebraska, another NCAA Tournament participant, along with Texas Tech, UMKC, and Wichita State.

Valpo also plays non-conference opponents Notre Dame, Michigan State, Bowling Green, and Illinois-Chicago this season, all of which qualified for postseason play.

The Crusaders open up Mid-Continent Conference play on March 25 at Centenary, the Mid-Con Tournament champion and NCAA qualifier last year.

Valpo finished the 2004 season 21-34 overall and 13-11 in conference play.