Junior Pitcher Ryan Kitteridge has recorded 19 strikeouts and allowed 2 home runs in 23 innings pitched for the Lancers. (Courtesy of CBU Athletics/Mariah Rodrigues)
California Baptist University's recently announced move from the Western Athletic Conference to the Big West Conference marks a significant shift for Lancer athletics. After enduring the WAC's high membership turnover and Texas/Utah-focused geographic footprint, CBU joins a more stable, California-centric conference featuring established rivalries.
The transition delivers immediate benefits: dramatically reduced travel costs, greater fan access to away games (seven of eleven destinations within a two-hour drive from Riverside), and most intriguingly, regular in-conference matchups with crosstown rival UC Riverside Highlanders.
"CBU's move to the Big West is just another significant step in the upward trajectory of Lancer athletics," noted CBU alum Alan Young. "I am grateful for the leadership of Dr. Ellis and Dr. Parker during this time of transition. I look forward to seeing the impact of this move on the increased community support of CBU in the Inland Empire and beyond, as well as more success for our athletes. Lance Up!"
The change could transform Riverside's sports landscape, as meaningful late-season Highlander/Lancer contests might elevate an already serious crosstown rivalry to new heights. In an era where the transfer portal makes recruitment and retention challenging, CBU's strategic conference realignment provides competitive and community advantages that could make Riverside the next great divided college sports fanbase.
Games of the Week
Saturday, March 22: Riverside Poly vs. Arlington- Baseball - 11 a.m. at Arlington High School
Tuesday, March 25: CBU vs. UC San Diego - Baseball- 6 p.m. at CBU
Wednesday, March 26: UCR vs. Grand Canyon - Softball- 1 p.m. at UCR
