2009 Kansas Softball Schedule In Place
Nov. 5, 2008
LAWRENCE, Kan. –
2009 Softball Schedule 
Kansas softball head coach Tracy Bunge unveiled a challenging schedule for the Jayhawks in 2009, highlighted by 16 NCAA Tournament teams from a year ago.
KU’s 54-game agenda features 21 home games, including contests with College World Series runner-up Texas A&M, as well as super regional participants Missouri and Oklahoma.
In all, 13 of Kansas’ 37 opponents finished in the Top 25 in both major polls last season.
“This is a nice schedule for us that features some tough and evenly-matched competition,” Bunge said. “It will be a good test for us early on that can help us prepare for another tough season of Big 12 play.”
The Jayhawks opening weekend sets the tone for the 2009 season, as four of KU’s five opponents in the Kajikawa Classic, in Phoenix, Ariz., Feb. 6-8, finished in the Top 20 last year. The mix includes the likes of PAC-10 powers Arizona and Stanford, as well as Northwestern, and Nevada, all NCAA Tournament participants.
From there, Kansas has a busy travel schedule as it partakes in the UCF Invite, Feb. 13-15, highlighted by a game with NCAA Tournament member Tennessee. After that, its another cross country trip to the always difficult Palm Springs Classic from Feb. 19-22, where KU faces North Carolina and California, two Top 25 programs and annual NCAA Tournament teams.
Following a stop in Denton, Texas, for the North Texas Invite, Feb. 28-March 1, Kansas opens its 2009 home schedule with its own KU Invitational, March 6-8. KU will take on North Dakota State, Eastern Illinois and Northern Iowa at Arrocha Ballpark.
Big 12 Conference play begins March 21 for the Jayhawks at Oklahoma State.
March 28 begins a tough stretch for Kansas as it hosts College World Series runner-up Texas A&M in its conference home opener. Three days later Border Showdown rival Missouri comes to Lawrence followed by Oklahoma on April 10. Both teams advanced to the super regionals in last year’s NCAA Tournament.
KU completes the regular season with four road games – a doubleheader at Wichita State, April 28 and a two-game series at Iowa State, May 2-3.
“We have a very experienced team returning and have put together a schedule that will be demanding from the first weekend through the conference schedule,” said Bunge. “To be considered among the best in the country, you have to beat the best and this schedule provides us with that opportunity.”
“The Big 12 race will be just as competitive as usual.” Bunge added.
Fans can purchase tickets by calling the KU Athletics ticket office at 800-34-HAWKS or by logging on to www.kuathletics.com.
