It’s difficult not to look ahead for the Lady Toppers.

They find themselves in position to challenge for the Sun Belt Conference Tournament title in just three weeks.

As of now, they wouldn’t meet No. 16 Denver – undefeated in conference play and Western’s only conference loss – until the final game.

But first things first.

Western has to get by conference rival Middle Tennessee on Friday to maintain its No. 2 spot in conference standings.

Sophomore forward Kelly Frericks said the game is an important one.

“Once the tournament comes around, all these games will mean a lot,” Frericks said. “Who we play will depend on the rest of our conference games.”

The Lady Toppers will travel to Murfreesboro and then to Huntsville, Ala. on Sunday for non-conference action against Alabama A&M.

Coach Jason Neidell said Middle Tennessee is a good team and shouldn’t be taken lightly.

“They’re probably the toughest team we have left on our schedule,” Neidell said. “They’ll be difficult to beat on the road.”

BEGINITAL Reach Jay Lively at [email protected]