NEWARK, DE -- The University of Delaware women's soccer team will participate in five exhibition matches during the month of April in preparation for the 2006 season.

The Blue Hens kick off the spring schedule with a tournament at Lehigh University on Saturday April 8. They will also play host to La Salle (April 11), Saint Joseph's (April 21) and Villanova (April 26) and will make a trip to George Mason on April 18. All three home games will begin at 7 p.m., with the game at George Mason scheduled for 4:30 p.m.

Delaware is looking to improve upon last season's 10-6-4 record which saw the Hens advance to their first Colonial Athletic Association semifinal game. The Hens will return 14 letterwinners from the 2005 team, including leading scorer and All-CAA Rookie Team selection Caitlyn Germain and All-CAA Second Team defender Lauren Petchel. At the helm for Delaware will be the only coach in program history, as reigning CAA Coach of the Year Scott Grzenda will enter his 17th season.

The Blue Hens open the fall season with a home match against Saint Joseph's on August 25 at Delaware Mini-Stadium.