CEDAR CITY, Utah – The Southern Utah University Thunderbirds travel back to California this week as they will compete in the Mizuno Invitational hosted by UC Riverside. The Thunderbirds previously completed in the Mizuno Invitational three years ago. This year’s field includes the Thunderbirds, the UC Riverside Highlanders, the Boston University Terriers and the Yale Bulldogs.
The Thunderbirds (4-16) are on a six game losing streak, including going 0-4 last week in the UNLV Tournament.
“We are coming off a rough weekend where, quite honestly, things didn’t go our way and we didn’t play to our potential,” said Southern Utah head coach, Tom Gray. “To our players’ credit, we had a very good practice on Tuesday And I believe we are about to take a step forward in our development.”
The Thunderbirds will begin play on the morning of Friday, March 11, against Boston University. The Terriers are 4-9 on the season, including a 11-4 victory over Utah Valley.
Play continues on Friday afternoon for the Thunderbirds against tournament hosts, UC Riverside. The Highlanders are 17-6 and currently riding a ten-game winning streak. They are also 12-1 at home this season and hold a 4-0 record against Big Sky conference teams.
On Saturday morning, the Thunderbirds will play Yale. The Bulldogs are relatively inexperienced this season, playing only five games so far, and holding a 1-4 record.
Play will conclude for the Thunderbirds with a rematch against Boston University on Saturday afternoon.
Southern Utah is currently dealing with some injuries, but the uncertainty leads to intrigue for Coach Gray.
“We are dealing with a few injuries and might have to move some people around, but this will be a great chance to see a few players step up.”
Hayden Coombs 