by Zachary Knecht
Featured Image: Photo by Weber State Athletics
Weber State Hillenbrand Preview
The Weber State Wildcats travel to Tucson Friday to participate in the Hillenbrand Invitational. After splitting their previous tournament 2-2, the 5-9 Wildcats are ready to leave a weekend with a winning record.
The five-game stretch in Arizona will take place over three days, spanning from Friday, March 3, to Sunday, March 5. WSU takes on Nebraska, Arizona, CSUN, and Texas A&M – Commerce in their endeavor to the Valley of the Sun.
Friday 10 am MST
Nebraska versus Weber State
The weekend begins with a rough matchup against a formidable foe in the Nebraska Cornhuskers. The Cornhuskers sport an impressive 9-6 record. This feat is more impressive, considering they have faced five ranked opponents in the early season. Weber State will have its hands full with this roster. Nebraska dominated at their last tournament trip, the Troy Cox Class, and they look to continue their momentum. The Cornhuskers went 4-1 in New Mexico, outscoring foes 32-4 over the weekend. That is dominance in its purest form, but the Wildcats hope to stop the Cornhuskers in their tracks.
Friday 4 pm MST
Weber State versus Arizona
The road doesn’t get much clearer to conclude their Friday games for Weber State. Their next duel is against Arizona in the battle of the Wildcats, who have been just as potent a foe as Nebraska. Arizona kicked off their season in dominating fashion, sweeping all five games at the Candrea Classic while outscoring opponents 63-6 in Tucson. They slowed down as of late but have continued to be a nightmare for anyone who comes across their path, winning four of six at the Razorback Invitational. The highlight of the weekend was Arizona’s victory against #7 Arkansas, a team that Weber State struggled against in their early season battles.
Saturday 9 am MST
CSUN versus Weber State
The road clears up for WSU entering Saturday against the CSUN Matadors. CSUN had a decent start to the season but fell flat at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic. The Matadors dropped all four contests in California, being outscored 24-5 on the trip. Wins will be tough to come by against the competition the Wildcats will face, so they need to take advantage of struggling opponents like the Matadors.
Saturday noon MST
Nebraska versus Weber State
If there were any team Weber State didn’t want to face twice this weekend, it is Nebraska. The Cornhuskers have been as dominant as they come, but a win against them could garner more respect for the Wildcats. They are already predicted to repeat as Big Sky Champions, but snagging signature wins against tough competition would put the rest of the conference on notice.
Sunday noon MST
Texas A&M – Commerce versus Weber State
The Wildcats conclude the weekend against the Texas A&M – Commerce Lions, who have been anything successful to this point in the season. The Lions are 2-14 on the season, and most of their games haven’t been close. Their previous trip to the Baylor Invitational showcased this lack of competitiveness in February. The Lions were outscored 46-6, their closest game being a two-run loss but their worst contest being a 17-run massacre. This is one game the Wildcats should take and easily.
The Weber State Wildcats hope to leave their first tournament with a winning record, with conference play starting at the end of the month.
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