HACKENSACK, N.J. - Fairleigh Dickinson softball head coach Chris Foye announced the Knights' complete spring 2022 schedule Wednesday with the Burgundy and Blue competing in 53 games beginning on February 18.

"It is always a great thrill to announce our schedule as it means the season is upon us," remarked Foye. "I believe this year's slate of games will test our team, especially in the early going, before we get set for NEC play in mid-March."

The Knights kickoff the campaign at the North Carolina A&T Aggie Classic in Greensboro, N.C. with five games scheduled from February 18 through February 20. FDU will face the host Aggies three times opening play with a twin bill against the host on day one and again seeing NCAT the following day (2/19) for a single contest. Before facing the Aggies a third time, Foye's side will take on George Mason on February 19 and will see the Patriots again on February 20 to close-out the event.

Staying in the Tar Heel state, FDU will participate in the Pirate Invitational, hosted by East Carolina. Over the three-day event, the Knights will face Gardner-Webb (2/25), East Carolina (2/25), Villanova (2/26), the host Pirates again (2/26) and will end with the Wildcats in the side's lone game on February 27.

The Burgundy and Blue will take the diamond at FDU Softball Field for the first time in 2022 on Wednesday, March 2, when the Knights square off with Columbia in a doubleheader before heading to the Sunshine State for the UNF-JU Spring Break Challenge. In Jacksonville, Foye's squad will take part in five games, including one each against the two hosts, Jacksonville and North Florida. FDU will open play in the event with a battle against Garden State foe Monmouth (3/4) who the Knights will see three more times over the course of the season. Later that afternoon, FDU will face North Florida before taking on Holy Cross and Jacksonville on March 5. In their final game of the tournament the Knights will face the Hawks for the second time.

Before the start of Northeast Conference play, FDU will head to the shore to face the Hawks at home for two games on March 15. In league action, FDU will face eight opponents three times with a doubleheader on day one and a single game on day two. This year's conference slate is as follows: Central Connecticut (away - 3/19-20), Merrimack (away - 3/26-27), Sacred Heart (home - 4/2-3), Bryant (home - 4/9-10), Mount St. Mary's (away - 4/15-16), Saint Francis U (Pa.) (home - 4/23-24), LIU (home - 4/30-5/1) and Wagner (away - 5/7-8).

Late season non-conference opponents include Lafayette (away - 3/23), Saint Peter's (home - 3/31; away - 4/28), Rider (home - 4/13) and Stony Brook (home - 4/19).

Contest schedule and broadcasts subject to change.

Fans can stay connected with FDU softball on Twitter and Instagram, @FDUKnightsSB, and catch home games live on NEC Front Row and the NEC on the Run app.