Ladies Day in Illini Nation

Frigid temperatures won't bother the women's softball team when they open the season tomorrow in Miami. The Illini kick off the season at the Diamond Fun & Sun Classic with their opening game against No. 20 Louisville. The Illini are returning some key starters to the team, including last year's Big Ten RBI leader Angelena Mexicano as well as Kisten Martin and Molly Lawhead, two third-team Big Ten selections from a year ago. The Illini also brought in two highly recruited freshman pitchers from California, Vicky Brown and Ashley Wright. The Fighting Illini are trying to improve on a 24-31 campaign last year and are hoping to build on their first victory in three years over the alumni squad last fall.

This will be the first time this season Illinois has had the chance to play outside. The Illini have spent their January practice schedule indoors at the Irwin Indoor practice facility, so they may be at a disadvantage to the warmer climate teams such as tournament opponent (No. 16) Oklahoma (although it hasn't been all that warm there either this year). But, Coach Terri Sullivan believes the Illini have one of the top indoor facilities in the nation and that the Illini are game ready for the tournament.

Aside from Louisville and Oklahoma, Illinois will also take on Illinois St. and tourney host, Florida International. The tournament runs through Sunday, after which the Illini will have five days to rest before heading off to Las Vegas for the Louisville Slugger Tournament.

Illinois Softball Set to Open Friday (FightingIllini.com)