The University of Wisconsin volleyball team released its 2008 schedule Wednesday, and nine teams that made the NCAA tournament are on the slate.

The Badgers open up the season Aug. 29-30 at the Kentucky Classic in Lexington, Ky., by facing Western Carolina, Pittsburgh and Kentucky.

After traveling to Las Vegas for the UNLV Invitational the following weekend, UW returns to Madison to host the InnTowner Invitational Sept. 12-13.

The Badgers open Big Ten Conference play at Iowa Sept. 26. Their Big Ten home opener is Oct. 3 against Michigan.

"This is a schedule that provides us with a wide variety of levels, styles of play and strong opponents," UW coach Pete Waite said in a press release.

"With eight of the teams earning 20-or-more wins last season we know we're up against programs that know how to win. Nine NCAA tournament teams and five who were ranked or received votes in the final coaches' poll will give us some great opportunities to challenge our players from the beginning of the season to the end."

For the full schedule, click here.