As the calendar prepares to change from April to May, the Wildcats are in the thick of the regular season, with some critical matchups this weekend. 

Six of the seven spring sports will be in action this weekend, with the lone exception (the Crew Cats) hosting Canisius (NY) and a scrimmage.

Here's what's ahead in a busy weekend for Saint Ignatius athletics. 

Baseball

The Wildcats have not always thrived this season, battling through adversity to a 5-8 record. However, the weekend offers a great chance for the squad to turn things around.

The Baseball Cats host Brunswick at 5 p.m. on Thursday evening before traveling to the East side for a contest with St. Edward on Friday. The Wildcats and Eagles will play at historic League Park, the home ballpark for Cleveland professional baseball from 1891-1946. 

The Eagles have also scuffled a bit as of late, dropping their last nine contests after starting off 6-2. St. Edward's baseball program, led by former Saint Ignatius standout Matt Rosinski, reached the District Championship game last season. 

All fans are welcome for the late afternoon contest. The SIBN will have live coverage of the rivalry matchup. 

Lacrosse

One of the best lacrosse teams in the state of Ohio will visit Wasmer Field on Friday.

Upper Arlington will face the 6-3 Lax Cats on Friday at 7 p.m. in a premier matchup of two of the best teams in Ohio. 

The Golden Bears secured the state title last season after defeating the Wildcats in the final. The Columbus school is traditionally known for its lacrosse program. 

The Lax Cats have downed some of the best teams in the state this season, from Western Reserve Academy to North Canton Hoover, though Hudson eked out an 8-4 win on Wednesday. 

The SIBN will have live coverage of the contest.

Rugby

The Rugby Cats will be put to the test once again on Saturday.

After defeating one of the top teams in the country last weekend, the Wildcats will again be challenged this Saturday, as the No. 5 St. Edward Eagles visit Wasmer Field at 12:30 p.m. 

The battle will not be one to miss, as the squads each boast wins over top teams and formidable programs with stout players. After falling to the Eagles last season in the state title, the Wildcats will be out for revenge. 

The Rugby Cats enter the contest as the No. 1 team in the nation according to the Goff Rugby Report. At the same time, the Wildcats are battling injuries and trying to become healthy before the postseason.

The SIBN will have a live video broadcast of the A-side contest at 12:25. B-side will start at 2 p.m., C-side begins at 3:30, and Developmental kicks off at 5. 

Track & Field

A busy weekend awaits the Wildcats. The track and field squad will head to Berea for the Titan Kiwanis Relays on Friday at noon. 

The Wildcats have shown ability across all events, showcasing depth and skill thus far this season. Top finishes at several meets have proven as such.

Recent student-athlete of the week Darian Kinnard will once again lead the Wildcats in the field events, while the squad's relay teams will likely buoy the Wildcats on the track side. 

Also, the Wildcats will host the annual Wasmer Games on Sunday. The grade school track and field meet is set to begin at 1 p.m., with events concluding at approximately 5. 

Volleyball 

The Volleyball Cats accrued another win on Wednesday evening, defeating Archbishop Hoban, 3-1. The Wildcats have lost just six sets all season, two of the defeats coming against the Knights.

This weekend might be the biggest challenge to date for Casey Marcelo's squad. The Wildcats will be taking part in the Elite Eight Tournament at Centerville High School. Some of the best teams in the state, including Archbishop Moeller, St. Xavier, Hilliard Darby, Elder, Westerville South, and Centerville, will be in attendance. 

The 10-1 Wildcats will look to grab victories this weekend, but more importantly, gear up for playoff action, which is closely approaching. 

Tennis

A pair of dual matches confronts the Wildcats this weekend, as the Tennis Cats will play Walsh Jesuit on Thursday at 4 p.m. and Lakewood on Friday at 4 p.m. 

The Tennis Cats are out to a red-hot start this season. The Wildcats have an 11-1 record, most recently downing Hawken on Wednesday, 3-2. 

Only St. Xavier has dealt the Wildcats a loss this season, a narrow 3-2 decision. Besides that, the Wildcats have been spotless. 

Best of luck to all six Wildcats teams this weekend as competition heats up.