CHAMPAIGN –  The Fighting Illini women's basketball program is gearing up for a 12-day trek to Australia, head coach Nancy Fahey announced on Wednesday.  The Orange and Blue will head out August 6-17, playing three games throughout the trip.

"Australia, what an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime trip for the Fighting Illini," Fahey said. "We appreciate the opportunity to grow beyond the lines of a basketball court and learn about another country and culture. This is not possible without the support of our administration and our Illini family. It is a unique opportunity to bond as a team while having fun and competing against some of the best in the world. Basketball opens so many doors, and we are looking forward to our ten days in Australia."

UI is set start the tour in Melbourne, and will play two games while in the area. Illinois faces the Dandenong Rangers and the Victoria All-Stars, before taking on the Cairns Dolphins on the next leg of the tour. The Orange and Blue will conclude their trip Down Under in Sydney before returning to Champaign on August 17.

Coverage of the team's trip will be provided on FightingIllini.com in addition to the team's social media platforms. Follow the team on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for an even more inside look at the Fighting Illini.

Illini WBB Australia Itinerary