During its nonconference slate, the Fightin' Blue Hens will take on the University of Maryland, Duke University, Michigan State University and Boston University, all NCAA tournament teams. The Blue Hens will also battle James Madison University and Old Dominion University, which advanced to the tournament after finishing as the top two teams in the Colonial Athletic Association in 2007.
Delaware returns 12 regulars from last season's team that went 10-9 and finished in a tie for fifth place in the CAA. The Blue Hens welcome back their top three scorers from a year ago -- Casey Howard, Tori Karsten and Michelle Drummonds. The defensive unit will also return a strong corps of players with goalie Nikki Rhoades joining midfielder Rae Everson and CAA All-Rookie selection Missy Woodie to anchor the defense.
The Blue Hens will participate in two tournaments to kick off the year, starting with the Louisville Classic on Aug. 30-31. During the invitational, Delaware will face the host University of Louisville, as well as Duke and Michigan State.
A week later, Delaware will return home to Rullo Stadium for the Blue Hen Classic on Sept. 6-7. Temple University, Ohio State University and America East Conference champion Boston University will compete in the tournament.
Delaware will wrap-up its early season nonconference schedule against Syracuse University at Maryland on Sept. 14, at Temple University on Sept. 19 and at home against St. Joseph's University on Sept. 21.
On Sept. 26, the Blue Hens will kick off CAA play with a home game against defending conference champion James Madison University. Delaware remain at home to face Virginia Commonwealth University on Sept. 28 before traveling to the College of William and Mary on Oct. 3 and Old Dominion University on Oct. 5.
Delaware face Northeastern University at Rullo Stadium on Oct. 10 then will travel to face Rutgers University on Oct. 17 and Atlantic Coast Conference power the University of Maryland on Oct. 19.
The Blue Hens will cap off their home slate on Oct. 26 when they take on Towson University. The team will then conclude its regular season schedule with road games against Drexel University on Oct. 31 and Hofstra University on Nov. 2.
The CAA championship tournament will begin Nov. 6 with the title game on Nov. 9.
For more information on UD athletics, see [www.udel.edu/sportsinfo].
Photo by Mark Campbell
