RIVERSIDE, Calif. —There’s no doubt that Saturday’s softball doubleheader between No. 3 California Baptist University and No. 2 Point Loma Nazarene has been circled on both team’s calendar since the schedule was released. This weekend’s games are no different in that bragging rights are just a tip of the rivalry. This showdown is all about the Golden State Athletic Conference title that has gone to the Lancers the past five years. The Sea Lions though have had the last laugh knocking CBU out of the national tournament the last two years. 

The roots run deep in this rivalry with CBU holding a three-game advantage over the Sea Lions, 42-39 in the all-time series. The Lancers are also 11-4 against Point Loma in the last two years that includes a pair of NAIA Region II titles. 

“This is a great rivalry and one that will draw regional and national interest,” said CBU head coach Mike Smith. “You don’t have to say much to get either team fired up for this game especially with what has happened over the last two years in the conference and at the national tournament. Each program knows what’s on the line. Not only are you fighting for position in the conference, but you’re going for that national ranking as well.” 

These two teams have combined to win the last eight GSAC titles with the last four going outright to the Lancers. The two tied for the conference crown in 2004 and Point Loma won the conference title in 2002 and 2003. The last time one of these two teams didn’t win the GSAC title was back in 2001. That year it was Biola who won the conference and was coached by Smith.

Smith is second all-time in the Golden State Athletic Conference with 432 wins inside the conference. The only coach that Smith trails in the GSAC is Point Loma’s Dave Williams who has 496 wins. 

The first pitch of the doubleheader is schedule for noon, Saturday, and both games are set to be webcasted live on cbulancers.com.