The Gonzaga baseball team has unveiled its highly anticipated 2025 nonconference schedule, setting the stage for an exciting season filled with challenging matchups. This schedule showcases the team's determination to expand their horizons and compete against a diverse range of opponents from different conferences. With a focus on both tradition and innovation, the Zags are ready to take on the challenges that lie ahead.

Unveiling the Gonzaga Baseball Team's 2025 Nonconference Journey

Road Trip to Open the Season: UC Davis

The season kicks off with a three-game series on the road at UC Davis from February 14th to 16th. This marks the first stop on the Zags' nonconference journey, as they face a new opponent in a different conference. It's a chance for the team to test their skills and build momentum early in the season.The atmosphere at UC Davis is sure to be electric as the Gonzaga players take on a new challenge. This road trip will provide valuable experience for the team and set the tone for the rest of the season.

Inaugural Matchup in Waco: Baylor

After the road trip to UC Davis, the Gonzaga baseball team travels to Waco, Texas, for their inaugural matchup against Baylor. This three-game series from February 21st to 23rd will be a significant moment in the team's history.Baylor is a formidable opponent, and facing them in their home stadium will be a true test for the Zags. This matchup will give the team a chance to showcase their skills against a high-level program and gain valuable insights into their own strengths and weaknesses.

February Home Series: BYU in Spokane

Breaking from tradition, the Zags will host their first February home series since 2008. From February 27th to March 1st, they welcome BYU to Spokane for three exciting games.This decision to schedule a home series in February is a testament to the newly opened Scott and Liz Morris Family Indoor Training Facility. Head coach Mark Machtolf credits this facility for allowing the team to play home games in colder weather without sacrificing their performance.The home series against BYU will be a great opportunity for the Gonzaga fans to support their team and witness some exciting baseball action. It's a chance for the players to play in front of their home crowd and gain confidence as the season progresses.

Nine-Game Road Stretch

After hosting Seattle University on March 5th, the Zags embark on a nine-game road stretch. The trip starts with a three-game series against Arizona State in Tempe from March 7th to 9th.Arizona State is a perennial power in college baseball, and facing them on the road will be a tough challenge for the Zags. This series will test their ability to compete against a top-tier program and adjust to different playing conditions.Following the series against Arizona State, the Zags will have their first-ever meeting with Utah Tech on March 11th in St. George, Utah. This matchup will introduce the team to a new opponent and provide an opportunity for growth and development.

Series Against Washington and Seattle University

The Zags then head to Seattle for a three-game series with Washington from March 14th to 16th. This is their first series against the Huskies since 2006, and it will be a chance for the team to renew their rivalry.After the series against Washington, the Zags will play Seattle University again on March 17th. These back-to-back matchups against Seattle-based teams will give the Zags a chance to showcase their skills and build on their recent performances.

Home-and-Home Series Against Washington State

Next, GU takes on Washington State in a home-and-home series. They play in Pullman on March 25th and then host the Cougars at the Patterson Baseball Complex on April 1st.These two matchups against Washington State will be crucial for the Zags as they look to solidify their position in the nonconference schedule. Playing at home and on the road against a conference rival will provide valuable experience and help the team prepare for the upcoming conference season.

Road Trips Against Notable Programs

The schedule also includes two road trips against notable programs later in the season. GU will face 12-time national champions USC in a three-game series in Los Angeles from April 17th to 19th.USC is a powerhouse in college baseball, and facing them in their home stadium will be a significant challenge for the Zags. This series will give the team a chance to measure themselves against one of the best programs in the country and gain valuable experience.The Zags' toughest nonconference challenge will follow on April 21st to 22nd, as they travel to Corvallis for a two-game series against Oregon State. The three-time national champions reached the Super Regionals last season but have lost key players.This series against Oregon State will be a true test for the Zags as they face a tough opponent without some of their key players. It will require the team to play at their best and rely on their depth and teamwork to come out on top.

Conclusion of the Nonconference Slate

The nonconference slate concludes with another home-and-home against Washington State, playing in Pullman on April 29th and then a rematch in Spokane on May 13th.These final two matchups will give the Gonzaga baseball team a chance to finish the nonconference season on a high note. Playing against a familiar opponent in different locations will provide a unique experience and allow the team to build on their previous performances.Head coach Mark Machtolf, entering his 22nd season as head coach, is just two wins away from becoming the second coach in program history to reach 600 victories. The Zags will look to improve on last year's fourth-place WCC finish and return to the NCAA Regionals for the first time since 2022. With a challenging nonconference schedule ahead, the team is ready to rise to the occasion and make their mark on the baseball world.