The challenge is new every weekend when it comes to baseball in the California Collegiate Athletic Association. Whether a team is up, down, or somewhere in between, each series brings with it a tough test.
 
This weekend's challenge for the Chico State baseball team comes in the form of a red-hot Cal State Monterey Bay team that has reeled off six consecutive impressive wins and stands at 8-6 overall and 6-2 in the CCAA.
 
Meanwhile, after a 4-1 start, the Wildcats have scuffled over the last two weekends, dropping four in a row to fall to 4-5 overall and 0-4 in the CCAA.
 
The Wildcats' struggles would quickly be forgotten with a strong weekend at home, however. The series starts with a doubleheader Friday at 1 p.m., continues with a single game Saturday at noon, and wraps up with a single game Sunday at noon.
 
All four games will feature an online broadcast, video stream, and live stats. The links are available at www.chicowildcats.com. The Saturday and Sunday games will also be carried locally on AM 1290 and FM 102.9 KPAY.
 
Chico State and Cal State Monterey Bay opened the season ranked among the nation's top 30. The Otters were picked to finish third in the CCAA and Chico State fourth in the annual preseason coaches' poll.