News Summary
As the 2025 season approaches, WKU baseball has received significant recognition with Dawson Hall and Ethan Lizama earning spots on the Conference USA Preseason All-Conference Team. Hall, a standout pitcher, impressed last year with a 1.69 ERA and a 3-0 record, while Lizama showcased his hitting talent, ending the season with a .309 batting average and nine home runs. The Hilltoppers are predicted to finish third in the upcoming season’s preseason poll, creating excitement among fans for the season ahead.
WKU Baseball: Hope and Glory with Preseason Honors!
Bowling Green, Kentucky—Exciting news for WKU baseball fans! As the 2025 season approaches, the Hilltoppers have some serious buzz surrounding their team. Two of the standout players, Dawson Hall and Ethan Lizama, have been recognized for their immense talent and hard work by being named to the Conference USA Preseason All-Conference Team. This is a testament to their skills and commitment on the field, and it certainly sets the tone for what’s to come!
A Stellar Pitcher Returns
Let’s start with Dawson Hall, a right-handed pitcher who is quite the star on the mound. Hall is no stranger to accolades, as this is his second time earning Preseason All-CUSA honors. Last season was phenomenal for him, where he pitched in 10 games and had a jaw-dropping 1.69 ERA, the best WKU has seen since 1981 for anyone pitching at least 30 innings!
His performance last year included impressive victories over teams like Purdue Fort Wayne, West Virginia, and Sam Houston, which all contributed to his unblemished 3-0 win-loss record. Hall struck out 25 batters over 32 innings, all while keeping opponent batters at a low average of just .217. It’s no surprise that he’s been chosen as one of the top pitchers heading into this season.
Ethan Lizama Shines Bright
On the other side, we have Ethan Lizama, the talented senior outfielder who has built quite a reputation. Lizama’s performance in the 2024 CUSA Championships was nothing short of spectacular, as he boasted a batting average of .545, hitting six times in eleven at-bats, with three home runs and five RBIs to top it off! No wonder he earned a spot on the CUSA All-Tournament Team.
For the 2024 season, Lizama led the Hilltoppers with a whopping 64 hits along with nine home runs, showcasing his prowess as a hitter. With a solid .309 batting average, adding 42 RBIs, 39 runs, and 16 doubles to his record, he’s certainly someone to keep an eye on this season as well!
Third Place and Expectations
As the Hilltoppers head into the upcoming season, they’ve been predicted to finish third in the 2025 CUSA Baseball Preseason Poll with a total of 72 points. For fans, this is an exhilarating prospect, highlighting a promising year ahead! In comparison, Dallas Baptist led the poll with 99 points while Louisiana Tech secured second place with 87 points.
All-Conference Team Breakdown
The complete 2025 CUSA Preseason All-Conference Team features some hot talent this season. Here are the key players recognized:
- C: Grant Jay (Dallas Baptist)
- INF: Michael Dattalo, Luke Heefner, Chayton Krauss (Dallas Baptist), Caleb Johnson (Jax State)
- OF: Kishon Frett (FIU), Eston Snyder (MTSU), Ethan Lizama (WKU)
- DH: Tom Poole (Dallas Baptist)
- UTL: Trace Phillips (MTSU)
- SP: Jerrod Jenkins, Luke Pettite, Luke Nichols (LA Tech), Chandler Alderman (MTSU), Dawson Hall (WKU)
- RP: Bo Rhudy (Kennesaw State), Ben Blair (Liberty)
Looking Forward
With Hall and Lizama leading the way, WKU baseball looks to make a significant impact in the upcoming season. As fans gear up for the action, there’s a palpable sense of excitement hanging in the air. The Hilltoppers have their sights set high, and with these two stars on the roster, they are ready to swing for the fences and aim for victory! Let’s get ready to cheer them on as they take to the field—go Hilltoppers!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
WKU Football Welcomes Talented Players to 2025 Class
Additional Resources
- WNKY: Hall, Lizama Named Preseason All-CUSA
- WKU Sports: Sharpe Named to Preseason All-CUSA Team
- FIU Sports: Women’s Basketball Matchup Against WKU
- BG Daily News: WKU Baseball News
- Google Search: WKU Baseball Preseason Poll
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
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.
