Wednesday, June 21, 2006

NASHVILLE, TENN. - - Highlighted by a rigorous non-conference schedule and regional rivalries, Belmont University Head Coach Deane Webb released the Bruins’ 2006 schedule.

Belmont, who finished the 2005 season with a 22-15 record and a runner-up finish in the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament, will play several of the nation’s premier programs this year.

The Bruins will face perennial Sun Belt Conference power Western Kentucky on September 2nd as part of a tournament hosted by Miami (OH) University. But arguably the sternest examination comes October 28th, as Belmont travels to Springfield, Missouri to play Wichita State and Missouri State. Both the Shockers and Bears were ranked in the AVCA Top 25 Poll a year ago.

"We need to be challenged in our non-conference schedule to fully prepare us for conference play, and this schedule accomplishes that,” Webb said. “I am particularly excited about our trip to Missouri at the end of October, where we will get a chance to play a couple of teams that last season were in or near the top 25. Hopefully it will be a challenge we will embrace before our last weekend of conference play."