Feb. 7, 2008

The Big Ten softball season commences this week as Illinois, No. 12 Michigan, Minnesota, No. 22 Ohio State, Purdue and Wisconsin all throw their first pitches for the 2008 campaign in non-conference games.

Minnesota kicks off the season this evening when it plays against the host school of Jacksonville in its season opening tournament.  The remaining five teams competing this weekend open up the year on Friday. 

Illinois, Michigan and Ohio State will all head to Florida to participate in different tournaments.  The Fighting Illini will battle Memphis in the first round of Southern Florida's tournament in Tampa, Fla.  The will play Massachusetts as part of Florida Atlantic's tournament in Boca Raton, Fla.  The Buckeyes will open the Stetson Lead-Off Classic in Deland, Fla., against Detroit.

Purdue travels to Tuscaloosa, Ala., to play in the Hampton Inn Bama Bash beginning with a matchup against Jacksonville State.  Wisconsin is the lone team heading west on opening weekend as the Badgers will play Utah to begin the season in the Red Desert Classic in Provo, Utah. 

The non-conference slate will continue on Feb. 15 when Indiana, Iowa, Michigan State, No. 6 Northwestern and Penn State take to the field.