News

Tucson, AZ April 10:      The University of Arizona returned to the field just in time with a convincing win over the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). Arizona (3-1, 7-5) got off slowly against the Tritons after a 2 ½ weeks layoff but once the fire was lit it didn’t go out until the final whistle and the 22-5 final. Possibly a more significant aspect of the win, it meant a trip to the Southwestern Lacrosse Conference (SLC) playoffs later this month.                                                                                                                     “Going into the game, I was a concerned about how we’d come out of the break, a bit more after the first quarter with the score tied at one” remarked Coach Mickey-Miles Felton. “It was Laxcat Family Weekend and we had families from all over the Country coming in town to see both their favorite Laxcat and the progress of the 2010 version of the University of Arizona Men’s Lacrosse.”

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The Laxcats appeared a bit confused by the Tritons defense in the first half and although getting off 10 shots, with sophomore midfielder Mike Hook’s early goal, they could only light up the scoreboard once in the first stanza.                                                  Felton noted, “There are numerous reasons to feel positive about this win, it’s difficult to put them in order of importance.” He went on to say, “Improving the self esteem of the team after a rough period, making the playoffs, getting every healthy Laxcat on the roster some valuable playing time, having 14 players in the scoring column, assists on 14 of the 22 goals, and the defense stepping up. It just goes on and on from there.”                                                                                                                              Senior Captain, Alex Beauchamp who led the barrage with 2 goals and 4 assists, knew what was on the line. “I  understood it was significant to the future of our program to get back to the playoffs and personally, I wasn’t ready to end my career yet.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                               With 2:32 left in the 2^nd quarter and a 2-1 advantage, Arizona called time presumably to discuss strategy. The Laxcats came out and scored in close, only 8 seconds later. The 3^rd goal was notched by freshman attackman Brooks Nardi (4/0) on a feed from freshman midfielder Graham Seamans. After another timeout, the Cats found the back of the net twice more. At 0:43 and 0:11, on an unassisted goal by Beauchamp who then assisted junior attackman Frankie Connell (3/2) driving from behind and a 5-1 lead heading into the intermission.                                                                                                                                                                                Arizona’s scoring frenzy continued early in the 3^rd quarter with Connell scoring his second of the day and didn’t end until 10 goals later when freshman midfielder David Tabata (2/0) bounced one in on a feed from sophomore attackman, Brad Williams (1/1). That made the score 16-2 going into the final 15 minutes.                                                                                                                               From the coaches perspective, “Our defense and goaltending when challenged, stood up and continually gave the ball back to the offense,” commented defensive coordinator Lewis Lipscomb.                                                                                                  Offensive coordinator Drew Maceranka was also energized by the Cats production. “In much of the first half, we executed extremely well but couldn’t finish. The difference in this game over the past several was we didn’t get frustrated but stayed with the game plan until the goals came. Once the guys started scoring, there was very little UCSD could do to stop them.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 “Primarily we’ve got a pretty young team. When we began practice last Fall we understood it would take a great deal of patience. We have now attained one of our team’s goals for 2010. The objective will be to remain focused and maintain what we learned about ourselves, our teammates, and coaches. With an outstanding Arizona State University team at home this Saturday, it’s a must we remember what it took to get this point and to not leave it on the practice field or sideline,” added Felton. “I’m thrilled for these Laxcats having worked so hard over the past 8 months while buying into what the coaches have been selling. Laxcat Fever doesn’t come cheaply!” 

 March 20: Unfortunately we weren't able properly entertain a tremendous turnout of alumni, parents, recruits, and friends that came to Loyola Marymount University to support us.  The Lions roared loader today then the Cats as we lost 13-6. It's now time to get on the bus and drive back to Tucson to regroup and prepare for Tuesday's game against the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB).  We start working out the kinks on Monday and will continue to work hard to get the journey back on the right path.  THANKS SO MUCH for everyone that made it out and all the other Laxcat fans that continue to support our team! 

March 15: In a back and forth first half, that saw the score tied 6 times, #4 Colorado State University took charge in the fourth quarter and defeated    #17 University of Arizona 13-8 in Tucson, AZ.  The Laxcats now get on the bus and head to Southern California for Thursday's important SLC  Division game with the University of San Diego.  On Saturday we'll be playing Loyola Marymount University on their campus at 1:00 PM.   

 Source: West Side Lacrosse

Senior middie Alex Beauchamp scored the game-winning goal with 2:15 remaining in double-overtime to give Arizona a 7-6 upset victory over No. 19 Utah in an MCLA Division I game Sunday afternoon.

Beauchamp scored his only goal on a shot into the top-right corner from about 10 yards after he picked up a ground ball during an unsettled situation to give the Laxcats (5-2) their second straight win.

Senior attackman Frankie Connell registered a team-high three points on two goals and an assist, and junior middie Tanner Chitwood had a goal and an assist for Arizona. Freshman attackman Brooks Nardi, sophomore middie Mike Cammorata and junior middie C.J. Price all scored once to round out the offense.

In defeat, sophomore middie Mack Schwoebel registered a game-high four points on three goals and one assist for Utah (3-1), which had its season-opening, three-game winning streak snapped.

The game was tied, 1-1, at the end of the first quarter, Utah led 2-1 at halftime and Arizona led 5-4 at the end of the third quarter.

The Utes scored back-to-back goals to start the fourth quarter and take a 6-5 lead, but Connell scored the equalizer with 51 seconds remaining in regulation to force overtime.