Jan 23- Arizona's investment in more matches and tough opposition is starting to show signs of return to start 2025, as the Wildcats took St. Mary's College down to the wire in a classic at Sitton Field this past weekend.

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The Wildcats' defense shut down the Gaels for nearly 70 minutes, with turnover ball giving Arizona opportunities in the 22 that they would capitalize on early. Matteo Berenger would step to the tee in the tenth minute and slot a penalty in front of the posts to give the Wildcats an early 3-0 lead. After a bit of back and forth, a St. Mary's penalty would give the Wildcats a lineout just five meters out of the Gaels' try line. Patient 22 attack and another Gael penalty would give the forwards a chance for a maul that they pushed in for their first try, converted by Berenger in the 25th minute to make it 10-0 Arizona. Penalties would come into play again late in the half, this time as Arizona would create an attacking opportunity for the Gaels which they converted to make it 10-5 just before the break. 

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Many games break open at some point, but Arizona and St. Mary's would stay locked in a tussle for the duration of the match, with both teams having multiple opportunities in the other's 22 that they would fail to convert thanks to tough defense. An Arizona penalty and subsequent St. Mary's quick tap would give the Gaels their first major chance of the second half which they converted to take a 12-10 lead in the 70th minute. Arizona's scrum would factor in late, winning a penalty in the 75th minute that would give Berenger a shot at goal and a chance to win the game. The well-struck attempt hit the left post, but Arizona would have another opportunity after the St. Mary's exit. Flyhalf Saxon Gerstl and Flanker Tanner DeMassa combined on a great open play move, putting DeMassa through a gap just outside the Gael's 22, but it was not meant to be, as the pass was knocked on and the Wildcats' victory would slip away on the final play of the game.

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For the home side, the result was a tough one to bear but a true sign of the bright future for the program, as they went toe to toe with last year's national champions and led for 70 minutes. "I'm incredibly proud of the guys but I'm also happy we aren't chasing moral victories. We felt we did what it took to win but the bounce of the ball didn't go our way. The lesson for us is finishing the 80 minutes and the importance of a great defensive foundation to handle these strong attacking sides. Credit to Tim O'Brien and his team, that is a good side and we look forward to continuing our series with them for years to come" said Director of Rugby Sean Duffy.

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Arizona 2nd XV also got their 2025 underway, dropping a 45-35 decision to St. Mary's 2nd XV. Both sides have a bye this week before traveling to Cal on Feb 1 for two matches.​

 

For the Wildcats full schedule, click here.

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1st XV vs St. Mary's

 

L 12-10

Tries: Blair

Conv: Berenger- 1/1

Pen: Berenger- 1/2

​​1- Isaac Morrill

2- Cameron Blair- C

3- Dalton Slaughter

4- Andreas Andersson

5- Jack Bresland

6- Aston Gradwick-Light

7- Tanner DeMassa

8- Aiden Kemp

9- Jacob Hall

10- Saxon Gerstl

11- Jake Schumacher

12- Ted Champion

13- Mattox King

14- Nick Morgan

15- Matteo Berenger- VC
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16- Henry Langrish

17- Lucas Holton

18- Seamus McCarthy

19- Jacob Jaffe

20- Troy Norman

21- Connor McIsaac

22- Brody Johnson

23- Jackson Kutcher

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2nd XV vs St. Mary's 2nd XV​

L 45-35

​1- Dominic Zapata​

2- Tucker Johnstone- C

3- Liam Swanson

4- Charles Williams

5- Harry Hobson

6- Braedon Butte

7- Ben Herbes

8- Sean McNulty

9- Lucas Smith- VC

10- Seth Catchpole

11- Kieran Quinn

12- Sintu Mjali

13- PJ Enegren

14- Patrick Barker

15- Brendan Doebel

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16- Carter Hertstein

17- Logan Able

18- Marcus Harris

19- Matt Grau

20- Henry Kliavkoff

21- Declan Postin

22- Kaelan Meyer

23- Tom Manning

24- Eli Zsemlye

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