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WILDCATS SHUT OUT LUMBERJACKS AT SITTON

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Noah Pittenger's double helped the Wildcats move to 2-1 on the preseason. (Photo credits: Maureen Hulsey) 

Sept 22- Arizona's preseason continued on Saturday as the Wildcats' Third XV took on Northern Arizona under the lights of Sitton Field. 

The mostly Freshmen side got off to a fast start, with Wing Austin Hicks (NY) touching down in the left corner for the first of his two tries, and Scrumhalf Jack Hughes (MD) soon following suit with his first of two. The scores resulted from strong attacking shape off of turnover ball, as Flyhalf PJ Coco (AZ) and Center Kevin Reilly (PA) helped steer the Wildcats repeatedly in to the Lumberjacks' 22. One benefciary of this was Number Eight Arek Boynerian (MA), who touched down twice to end the half and give the hosts a 31-0 lead at the break.

The second half saw the emergence of one of the Wildcats' most intriguing prospects, as former Arizona Running Back Noah Pittenger (AZ) scored twice in just his second match. "It's hard to be successful in college if you haven't played Rugby before. But what we've found is the better the athlete in their former sport, the higher likelihood of success when they do come to us. Noah showed some real talent today and he'll only get better from here" said Director of Rugby Sean Duffy.

Arizona's comprehensive 60-0 victory moved them to 2-1 on the preseason, and provided an opportunity of minutes for those that the staff did not see much of in New Mexico two weeks ago. Now, with Grand Canyon Second XV set for a month from now, Arizona will continue to develop for the coming Fifteens season while also commencing their Sevens preseason in two weeks at the West Coast Sevens in San Luis Obispo where a Freshmen-Sophomore side will take part in the one-day event.

Scoring vs NAU

W 60-0

Tries: 10- Hughes (2), Pittenger (2), Boynerian (2), Hicks (2), O'Malley, Chatman

Conv: Coco- 3/5, Karton- 2/5

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