PROVO -- The BYU softball team will open up their 2005 season Feb. 4-5 against Southern Utah University in St. George, Utah. This years schedule is expected to be the most difficult the Cougars have had in the six years of the program.
Nine games come against USA Today Preseason Top-25 teams including two home games against first-time opponent Florida State May 6 at Miller Park and No.1 Cal. The Cougars also play four other teams that received Top-25 votes.
BYU Head Coach Gordon Eakin said he is excited about the schedule ahead.
"As we begin the season, we're excited about the competitive nature of our team and the elevated level of competition," said Eakin. "We are embarking on the strongest schedule in the six years of this program, it's where we belong, and it's where we want to stay."
In addition to the ranked Cougar opponents, 21 games will be against teams that made the NCAA Regional Tournament in the last couple of years.
The Cougars also face a tough conference schedule including Colorado State and MWC preseason No.1 San Diego State. BYU plays each MWC foe four times.
"If we want to be one of the elite teams, we have to play those teams," Eakin said.