ORONO – The University of Maine women’s soccer team will face nine nonconference teams, five of which finished at .500 or better last year, when it starts the 2005 season this fall, according to the schedule released Friday.

The Black Bears will open against at home against Sacred Heart on Friday, Aug. 26. UMaine will play Hofstra and Central Connecticut State, which combined for 23 wins last year, in the BU Terrier Classic, which starts Friday, Sept. 2. Maine plays Holy Cross on Tuesday, Sept. 23 in Portland.

The Bears (13-6-1 last year) open their America East conference schedule Thursday, Sept. 29 when they host BU.