FROM STAFF REPORTS

The University of Montevallo baseball team will play have 50 contests, including 28 home games at Kermit A. Johnson Field, during its 2012 schedule, which was released Oct. 20.

Montevallo will play 19 games against opponents ranked in the top 30 in the final 2011 Collegiate Baseball Magazine NCAA Division II poll.

“We are once again playing one of the toughest schedules in the country,” Rose said. “Our players will be challenged each and every week and our non-conference schedule will prepare us to competein the best Division II conference in the country.”

The Falcons open the season Feb. 3 at home against the University of Alabama at Huntsville. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m. Montevallo will take on the Chargers in a three-game series Feb. 3-4.

Montevallo’s first ranked opponent will come Feb. 15 on the road at the University of North Alabama. The Lions finished the season ranked No. 20 in the Collegiate Baseball Magazine poll and No. 11 in the National College Baseball Writer’s Association poll. Just 10 days later the Falcons will host No. 9 Francis Marion University for a three game series beginning Feb. 25.

The Falcons will also take on No. 12 UNC Pembroke, No. 18 Columbus State, No. 21 Georgia College, No. 23 Armstrong Atlantic State University and No. 30 Southern Indiana.

Montevallo’s final home game will be Wednesday, April 18 as the Falcons host the University of West Alabama.