News Summary
The Western Kentucky University baseball team has secured a place in the NCAA Oxford Regional after winning the C-USA Championship. This marks WKU’s first tournament appearance in 16 years. Scheduled to play Georgia Tech, the Hilltoppers ended the season with an impressive 46-12 record, showcasing notable player achievements and team awards from the C-USA season. This historic moment is celebrated by the team’s fans as they look forward to their performance at Ole Miss’s Swayze Field.
Bowling Green, KY – The Western Kentucky University (WKU) baseball team has earned a spot in the NCAA Oxford Regional after a historic victory in the Conference USA (C-USA) Championship. This will be WKU’s first appearance at the NCAA tournament in 16 years, with the games scheduled to take place from May 30 to June 2, 2025, at Ole Miss’s Swayze Field.
The announcement was made during the NCAA Baseball Selection Show on May 26, 2025, revealing that WKU is set to enter the tournament as the No. 3 seed in the Oxford Regional. The Hilltoppers concluded the season with an impressive overall record of 46 wins and 12 losses, significantly bolstered by their recent championship win against Jacksonville State.
The Oxford Regional will feature four teams competing in a double-elimination format. The teams are as follows:
- No. 1 Ole Miss (40-19)
- No. 2 Georgia Tech (40-17)
- No. 3 Western Kentucky (46-12)
- No. 4 Murray State (39-13)
WKU is scheduled to play Georgia Tech on Friday, May 30, at 3 p.m. CT. In a simultaneous match, Ole Miss will face Murray State at 7 p.m. CT. The successful transition into the regional comes after WKU exhibited a formidable performance in the C-USA tournament, allowing them to secure their place in the NCAA tournament.
This marks a significant achievement for WKU’s baseball program, as they have now reached the NCAA tournament for the fifth time in history. Last competing in 2009, WKU fell just short of advancing to the Super Regionals, losing to Ole Miss in the regional championship game.
The Hilltoppers’ success in the C-USA this season has earned them a plethora of individual awards and recognition. Coach Marc Rardin was named the C-USA Head Coach of the Year, while Dillon Napoleon received the honor of C-USA Assistant Coach of the Year. Student-athletes also stood out, with Ryan Wideman being named C-USA Player of the Year and Drew Whalen receiving the title of C-USA Pitcher of the Year.
WKU led the C-USA with nine all-conference selections, showcasing the talent within the team. Wideman, Whalen, and Lucas Hartman made the All-C-USA First Team, while Jack Bennett, Cal Higgins, Carlos Vasquez, and Kyle Hayes were selected for the All-C-USA Second Team. Additionally, Reid Howard and Taylor Penn earned spots on the C-USA All-Freshman Team. Notably, Ethan Lizama was recognized as the Most Valuable Player of the C-USA Tournament after achieving a batting average of .389, complemented by three home runs and seven RBIs.
As they prepare for the NCAA Regional, WKU players Lizama, Wideman, Vasquez, and Austin Haller also earned recognition by being named to the C-USA All-Tournament Team. This roster of achievements is a testament to the team’s hard work and commitment throughout the season.
Ole Miss, serving as the host for the Oxford Regional, will be making its 11th regional appearance during the Mike Bianco coaching era. The Rebels enter this tournament following a commendable performance in the SEC Baseball Tournament, setting a competitive stage for the participating teams.
As excitement builds around the upcoming games, tickets for the regional contests are currently available for purchase. With the double-elimination format running through Monday, June 2, teams will aim not only for victory but also for the opportunity to advance in the NCAA tournament.
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Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Ole Miss Tickets for NCAA Baseball Tournament
- WKU Sports: WKU Baseball Selected for NCAA Oxford Regional
- Ole Miss Sports: 2025 NCAA Oxford Regional Field Announced
- Sports Illustrated: Oxford Regional Schedule for Ole Miss Baseball
- USA Today: How to Buy NCAA Baseball Regional Tickets
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The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
