Aug. 6, 2008

AUBURN - The Auburn women's basketball team begins an international road trip this weekend as it will travel through Austria and Czech Republic over the course of 10 days, beginning August 8.

Notable stops will include Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, Terezin concentration camp, Moser Glass Factory, Bratislava Caste, Vienna, Old Town Hall, Martin Cathedral and Schonbrunn Palace, among several others.

"We have a very experienced group of players and they are going to get a lot of playing time in Europe against some good teams and it is a bonding time for us," head coach Nell Fortner said. "We have big goals for this year, so this gives us a little bit of a head start in a fun environment and we are all looking forward to it."

It won't be all sightseeing for the Tigers as they will play four contests with international teams during the tour. The Tigers will play Sparta Prague and Hradec Kralove while in Czech Republic and Nitra BBC and Foton Gyor BBC in Austria.

"I am really excited about going overseas," senior DeWanna Bonner said. "It is going to be a great bonding time for our team. We are going to go over and play some great games and enjoy getting to see another part of the world. We are planning to have fun and have some great experiences along the way."

The European trip is the first ever for Auburn women's basketball.

"I can't wait to get there," senior Whitney Boddie said. "We have been working hard preparing for this trip and I am really looking forward to getting there and competing against the European teams. I am looking forward to sightseeing and having a great time in the process."

Follow the Tigers' trip online at AuburnTigers.com. Players will provide daily journals and photo galleries. Game recaps will also be available.

Travel Itinerary
Friday, August 8 - Leave Alabama for Prague
Saturday, August 9 - Arrive in Czech Republic, Sightseeing to Prague Castle and Charles Bridge
Sunday, August 10 - Boat tour on Vltava River, game versus Sparta Prague
Monday, August 11 - Sightseeing of Terezin concentration camp
Tuesday, August 12 - Sightseeing of Moser Glass Factory, game versus Hradec Kralove
Wednesday, August 13 - Bus to Slovakia, game versus Nitra BBC
Thursday, August 14 - Sightseeing of Bratislava Castle, Old Town and game vs. Foton Gyor BBC
Friday, August 15 - Bus to Vienna, Tour of Schonbrunn Palace, Sightseeing at Prater Amusement Park
Saturday, August 16 - Bus tour of Vienna
Sunday, August 17 - Return to Alabama