JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville University baseball team has announced its 2016 schedule that includes a strong non-conference slate, a trip to TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Neb., and 29 home games at John Sessions Stadium.
“We always try play the most competitive schedule that we can. Playing against the best in the country helps prepare us for conference play and playing in the state of Florida means that you will play quality teams,” said Head Coach Tim Montez. “It’s going to be an exciting schedule to play. We are definitely going to be the road warriors for a few weekends in a row, which will help grow the character and mental toughness of a lot of our young players.”
The schedule begins at home against Florida A&M, one of eight NCAA tournament participants on the Dolphin schedule, and includes weekend non-conference series with Creighton, East Carolina, Columbia, Toledo, Samford, and Mount St. Mary.
The Dolphins will not play during the opening weekend of the NCAA season. Montez cited the importance of an opportunity to experience the location of Jacksonville’s highest goal.
“I thought it was more important for us to play on the road at Creighton and experience TD Ameritrade Park where the College World Series is played,” said Montez.
Jacksonville will play two games against both Florida and Florida State, and will host the Seminoles on May 10. Including home games, 44 of Jacksonville’s 56 games are in the Sunshine State. The second edition of the Mayor’s Cup, a non-conference game against North Florida, is slated for March 2.
The Dolphins begin Atlantic Sun play April 8 at home against North Florida and also host Florida Gulf Coast and Kennesaw State while traveling to Lipscomb, Stetson, and USC Upstate.
The Atlantic Sun tournament, held at Lipscomb University, will take place May 25-29.
