By Jim Fenton
BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- Here's a look at the week ahead (Jan. 5-11) for the Bridgewater State University athletics teams:
WEDNESDAY
WOMEN'S INDOOR TRACK & FIELD, at the Bryant Indoor Throws Competition, 11:00 AM: The Bears travel to Smithfield, R.I., to take part in the shot put, weight throw and discus events.
Teams from all three divisions plus unattached competitors will be in the field.
Natalie Kalgren was the lone BSU team member to take part in the competition last season.
MEN'S INDOOR TRACK & FIELD, at the Bryant Indoor Throws Competition, 11:00 AM: BSU will be sending its throwers to Bryant University to compete in the shot put, weight throw and discus.
The Bears were eighth with six points a year ago with Corey Stalters finishing fifth in the shot put.
BSU's track & field teams have been idle since Dec. 13.
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL, at Fitchburg State, 5:00 PM: The defending champion Bears open the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference schedule with a road game.
BSU went 9-1 in the conference last season, winning its final nine games to finish first.
The Bears, who are 1-9 with nine losses in a row this season, swept the Falcons a year ago, 92-52, and 85-58.
Fitchburg State is 2-9 with seven straight losses this season.
MEN'S BASKETBALL, at Fitchburg State, 7:00 PM: The Bears, off to a 2-9 start, begin the MASCAC schedule against the Falcons.
BSU defeated Fitchburg State twice a year ago by scores of 71-70 and 81-71.
The Falcons are 6-5 with four straight losses heading into MASCAC play.
SATURDAY
WRESTLING, at home, Wesleyan and WPI, Noon: The Bears, idle since Dec. 13, return to the mat for a tri-meet at Kelly Gym.
BSU (0-2) is No. 12 in the New England Wrestling Association rankings. Wesleyan (1-0) is No. 6 while Worcester Polytechnic Institute (4-2) is No. 14.
The Bears lost to WPI and Wesleyan a year ago.
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL, at home, Salem State, Noon: The Bears play their first game at the Tinsley Center since Dec. 12 when they entertain the Vikings.
BSU lost its MASCAC opener to Salem State last season, 90-79, and won the rematch on the road, 68-56.
The Vikings are 4-7 with a five-game losing streak going into the MASCAC schedule.
MEN'S BASKETBALL, at home, Salem State, 2:00 PM: The Bears play their first home game since Dec. 10.
BSU is picked to finish third in the MASCAC while Salem State is No. 2 in the preseason coaches poll.
The Bears lost twice to the Vikings a year ago by scores of 102-79 and 74-69.
Salem State is off to a 7-4 start with two straight losses.