Twenty-one of the nations's top collegiate softball teams, including three 2007 Women's College World Series participants, will converge on Columbus, Georgia, Feb. 29-March 2 for the 2008 NFCA Leadoff Classic.

Tennessee, the 2007 national runner-up, Texas A&M and DePaul each will head to Columbus after making WCWS runs a year ago. The three teams lead a list of 17 NCAA regional squads who will compete in the 13th annual tournament at South Commons Stadium and Softball Complex.

In addition to the three WCWS competitors, Michigan earned a super regional berth, while Mississippi State, Hofstra, Winthrop, North Carolina, UC Santa Barbara, Georgia Tech, Louisiana-Lafayett, Massachusetts, Tennessee Tech, Florida State, Nebraska, N.C. State and Illinois State each competed in regional action. Auburn, Iowa, Charlotte and Syracuse round out the 21-team field.

Five of the teams in the field for USA Today/NFCA Division I Top 25 Poll, with Tennessee leading the way at No. 2. DePaul and the Aggies also finished in the top 10, coming in at Nos. 6 and 7, respectively, while Michigan finished the year 13th and Georgia Tech at No. 19.

The 2008 edition of the Leadoff Classic will utilize a different format from any of the previous 12 tournaments, as the three-day event will feature only pool play with four pools of five teams and one pool of six teams.

Games are scheduled to begin Friday and Saturday at 11 am., 1:30 pm., 4 pm., and 6:30 pm. Sunday's slate includes games at 10 am. and 12:30 pm. All times are Eastern Standard Time.

Tickets for the tournament can be purchased online through the Columbus Sports and Events Council at (706)660-1996 or at the gate. Tournament passes are available for $25 for adults and $15 for children age 12 and under. Daily ticket prices are $10 for adults and $7 for children. Groups of 10 or more will receive a special discounted price of $5 per person.

For the 2008 NFCA Leadoff Classic schedule and more information on the tournament, visit www.nfca.org/classic/division1.