University of Houston Athletics
Seven Cougar Softball Opponents Ranked in NFCA Top 25
1/25/2007 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Jan. 25, 2007
HOUSTON - The University of Houston softball team found out Thursday that it will face off against seven opponents that are ranked in the preseason NFCA Top 25 Poll.
"Playing a challenging schedule each season has always been a priority for us," head coach Kyla Holas said. "There is such a narrow margin between teams that receive the last few bids to the NCAAs. Missing regionals by so close last season made our schedule decisions easier this season to either play up or stay home."
The Cougars take on NCAA Super Regional squads No. 11 Michigan (Feb. 10-11) and No. 9 LSU (Feb. 16) at the Cougar Softball Stadium. Houston also has home tilts with Southern Illinois (Feb. 17), who is receiving votes in the poll and has a doubleheader slated with No. 13 Texas A&M (March 7).
"Our home schedule is very fan friendly," Holas said. "There are some great softball programs coming here to Houston. I know our fans recognize that and will come out strong to support us."
Holas' squad has road games scheduled with No. 5 Arizona State (March 3), a Women's College World Series participant last season, in addition to No. 18 Baylor (Feb. 20), No. 19 Louisiana-Lafayette (April 18) and No. 24 Auburn (March 15).
"We've improved our schedule's RPI so when it comes down to the end of the season, we get that second glance that we feel we deserve," Holas said. "That was the biggest factor in determining our non-conference schedule."
Houston opens the 2007 season playing host to the Wilson/DeMarini Invitational, welcoming No. 11 Michigan, Texas-Arlington and Mississippi to the Cougar Softball Stadium on Feb. 9-11.
