May 2, 2008

BELLINGHAM, Wash. - Western Washington University record-setting libero Courtney Schneider and the national runner-up Viking volleyball team will make the ceremonial first pitch prior to the Seattle Mariners' baseball game Wednesday night against the Texas Rangers at Safeco Field.

Schneider will make the actual toss with teammates and coaches joining her in a semi-circle around the second-base side of the mound.

Western enjoyed the finest season in school history last fall, placing second at the NCAA Division II National Championships. The Vikings, who won their first Pacific Regional title and claimed the Great Northwest Athletic Conference crown for the fourth time in seven years, finished with a 26-5 record that included a 21-match winning streak.

Schneider earned first-team All-America honors, leading the NCAA II for the second straight season in digs with a national record 7.74 per game average. Her career average of 7.00 also was a NCAA II record, breaking the former mark by nearly one per game.

Schneider, a senior from Snohomish, was the 2006-07 WWU Female co-Athlete of the Year. She is just the 10th athlete in school history in all sports to receive All-America honors three or more years.