Although temperatures will be nearly freezing outside, three Baker University fall sports teams will bring the heat to their respective NAIA national tournament brackets on Saturday.

The football and men’s soccer teams will host their opening rounds at Liston Stadium and the women’s cross country team will compete right down the road in Lawrence.

Women’s cross country

11:45 a.m. | Rim Rock Farm | Lawrence

Currently ranked No. 25, the women’s cross country team took home the Heart of America Athletic Conference championship on Nov. 9.

Senior Lauren Jaqua finished in first place at the conference meet with a time of 18:54. This will be Jaqua’s fourth appearance at nationals, along with senior Ashley McBride.

The Wildcats broke into the NAIA Coaches’ Top 25 poll on Oct. 16 and have remained there ever since.

Football

1 p.m. | Liston Stadium | Baldwin City

As the fourth-ranked team in the NAIA, the Wildcats earned the chance to host the first round of the playoffs for the first time since 1983.

Baker will take on No 13. Sterling University. Each team is entering the opening round with eight-game winning streaks. However, one will come to an end at Liston Stadium.

The Wildcats earned a share of the HAAC title after finishing their conference season with an 8-1 record.

Men’s soccer

7 p.m. | Liston Stadium | Baldwin City

The BU men’s soccer team finished its regular season as the HAAC champions after taking down MidAmerica Nazarene University on the Pioneers’ home field 1-0.

The Wildcats jumped to No. 3 in the final NAIA Men’s Soccer Coaches’ Top 25 poll after defeating MNU and ending their season with a 14-5-2 record.

Now seeded at No. 13 in the playoffs bracket, Baker will host Midland (Neb.), which boasts an 18-1-2 record and an eight-game win streak heading into the first round.

Tailgating

BU alumni, friends and family are invited to bundle up and head out to Liston Stadium early for tailgates before the playoff action begins.

The first tailgate will begin prior to the football game at 11 a.m. and the second will take place at 6 p.m. just before the men’s soccer game starts.

Between games, Wildcat fans are encouraged to head over to Collins Center to watch the men’s basketball team as it takes on McPherson College at 4 p.m.