October 30- Arizona and Grand Canyon met on Friday at Clements Field for a Freshmen-Sophomore preseason clash that gave fans from both sides a glimpse into the future 

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The visitors would get the upper hand early, with a GCU lineout move setting a Lopes forward free for a 7-0 Grand Canyon lead in the early stages. The Wildcats would respond, using defensive pressure and a turnover by Number Eight Aiden Kemp to put themselves into the 22. A well-worked maul and the resulting front foot ball would create a try-scoring opportunity for Will Rohrsheim, and the center from Sydney, Australia would capitalize to tie it at 7 after the Jacob Hall conversion. A defensive stalemate would ensue for the rest of the half, with both teams failing to finish scoring opportunities and the Wildcats failing to take advantage of GCU penalty trouble.

 

The Lopes would start the second half strong, scoring on a try in the centers to make it 14-7. Despite a second GCU card, this time a red, the Wildcats would fail to capitalize, gambling in the Lopes' 22 and creating opportunities for the visitors. The Lopes would take advantage once again, rumbling down the field off of a scrum and scoring next phase to make it 21-7. Arizona would have opportunities late, but converted the last of those in the 78th minute on a Henry Langrish score to make it 21-12.

 

For the Wildcats, the loss illustrated work-ons while also showcasing the talent coming through the 65+ strong program. "First off hats off to GCU for a hard-fought game. We're thankful to guys like alum Brent Webber for helping make the game happen. When the opposing team gets two yellows and a red, you should win. But if you fail to execute, you're in a bit of a fight. Even though it may be hard for athletes to see in the short-term, we have to prioritize development in these preseason games. What better way to test out combinations and people than an intense game like Friday? Some of these youngsters really stepped up, and we're excited for the season." said Director of Rugby Sean Duffy.

 

The Wildcats have a bye this week before welcoming Colorado State to Sitton Field on November 11th. 

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SCORING vs GRAND CANYON
Tries: 2- Rohrsheim, Langrish 

Conversions: Hall- 1/1, Martin- 0/1

Penalties: Hall- 0/1
 

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LINEUP vs GRAND CANYON

1. Luke Boals

2. Henry Langrish

3. Jack Kerrigan

4. Jacob Jaffe

5. Charles Williams

6. Andreas Andersson

7. Liam Parker

8. Aiden Kemp

9. Jacob Hall

10. Andrew Newell

11. Fletcher Popp

12. Will Rohrsheim

13. Mike McWilliams

14. Jude Beatty

15. Gerard Martin

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16. Aidan McCarthy

17. Logan Able

18. Will Berney

19. Tanner DeMassa

20. Logan Franke

21. Blake Liddell

22. Seth Catchpole

23. PJ Enegren

24. Daniel Lopez