November 9, 2026​

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Glendale, CO — Arizona put its undefeated record to the test Saturday, traveling to Colorado for a neutral-site matchup against No. 3 Lindenwood at Infinity Park. Looking to build on a strong fall campaign, the No. 13 Wildcats delivered one of their most significant performances of the season, earning a hard-fought 37-33 victory over the nationally ranked Lions.

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Arizona set the tone early, producing a strong attacking sequence inside the Lindenwood half. Fly-half Saxon Gerstl's well-placed kick into space created the opportunity for captain Tanner DeMassa to open the scoring. Lance Barker added the conversion to give Arizona an early 7-0 advantage.

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Lindenwood responded by capitalizing on an Arizona penalty to level the score at 7-7. Penalties would prove influential throughout the afternoon, with Barker converting a subsequent opportunity to restore the Wildcats' lead at 10-7.

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Arizona continued to apply pressure, as a line break from Ethan Heim pushed the Lions deep into their own territory. Second-year lock Alex Kemp finished the ensuing opportunity, extending the Arizona advantage to 17-7 in the 13th minute.

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The two sides continued to trade scores. Lindenwood responded with a try in the right corner before Barker added another penalty to make it 20-14. The Lions would find the try line once more just before halftime, narrowing the deficit to 20-19 heading into the break.

The second half brought a series of adjustments from both sides, but Arizona wasted little time reasserting control. A quick tap penalty created an opportunity for Gerstl to find the try line, extending the Wildcats' lead to 27-19.

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Heim continued to create problems for the Lindenwood defense, producing another line break that set up reserve back-row forward Will Barrett in the left corner. Barker converted to push the Arizona advantage to 34-19.

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Another successful penalty from Barker in the 55th minute extended the lead to 37-19, but Lindenwood demonstrated why it sits among the nation's top programs. The Lions mounted a determined comeback, scoring twice to cut the deficit to 37-33 and put the pressure squarely back on the Wildcats.

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With the match hanging in the balance, Arizona's defense delivered when it mattered most. Jackson Kutcher produced a crucial jackal turnover in the closing stages, halting Lindenwood's final attacking opportunity and securing the victory.

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Following the match, Arizona Director of Rugby Sean Duffy reflected on the performance:

"I think this was a great sign that the hard work we're putting in as a program is paying off. To see contributions from 1 through 23 against a very good, well-coached Lindenwood side was particularly rewarding. We had some outstanding individual performances, but what stood out most was the composure the group showed when things got down to the wire. I'm really proud of the way the entire squad responded to that challenge.

"We're also grateful to Lindenwood for making the trip to Colorado and providing a great contest, and to Infinity Park for hosting us."

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The 37-33 result marks the first victory over Lindenwood in Arizona Rugby program history and provides another significant milestone for a Wildcats squad that continues to build momentum through the fall season. Arizona will close out the Fall against Santa Clara this Saturday at Sitton Field.

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Final Score: No. 13 Arizona 37, No. 3 Lindenwood 33

Tries: DeMassa, Al. Kemp, Gerstl, Barrett

Penalties: Barker- 3/3

Conversions: Barker- 4/4 

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