Cal 2022 Recap

CATS HUMBLED BY CAL IN FIRST LOSS OF SEASON

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Jon Rogers and the Wildcats must regroup quickly from their first defeat of the season. (Photo credits: Madison Farwell)

Feb 20- Arizona set out to build on their top 15 ranking and early season growth in a home contest with #3 Cal on Saturday in front of another big crowd at Sitton Field. Unfortunately for the Wildcats, it was the Bears who threw the first punch, scoring twice in the first five minutes to shake the Wildcats early and force them to chase the game. Arizona had two key opportunities deep in the Cal half but was unable to come away with points, and went in to the break looking to dig out of a large deficit.

"January was about establishing an identity. February is about finding weaknesses. No better way than playing quality opposition and this will help us in the long run not just this year but beyond" said Director of Rugby Sean Duffy.

The second half featured an improved defensive shape, more ball retention, and some bright spots but it was Cal who took care of Arizona on this one, defeating the Wildcats 94-10 to hand the hosts their first loss of the season. Robert Figley's lone try in the second half and a penalty in the 55th minute were the sole points and left the Wildcats regretting lost opportunities. "We must be better, we must change as a program, and we must buy in to it. We knew putting some youngsters out there we'd see growing pains, and I like them am in this for the long haul. The scoreline flatters the visitors as quick taps up 60 are how they want to run things to boost their ranking when the game is already in hand. But hey we have to stop them. I don't say this just to get a kick out of it, you have to execute under pressure. Maybe it was kicking the dog while he's down, but we put ourselves in these spots. It will get fixed and we'll be better for it in the long run and kick on from it" said Duffy.

Arizona returns to action on Saturday with #14 Central Washington traveling to Tucson before hosting #19 Texas A&M before Spring Break.

ROSTER vs CAL

1- Harry Bluck

2- Zach Barker

3- Dalton Slaughter

4- Jack Brown

5- James Rivers (VC)

6- Jack McCrossin

7- EJ Freeman

8- CJ De Vault

9- Maxime Cathala

10- Robert Figley