Cats Off to Canada

CATS SET FOR CANADA

#7 Arizona VS TRINITY WESTERN

Second-year Flyhalf Saxon Gerstl orchestrated the Wildcat attack to a statement win. (Photo credits: Josh Pearson)

Mar 20- Arizona has announced the squads set to travel north to Canada this weekend for a pair of matches, highlighted by a 1st XV clash with Trinity Western University in Langley, British Columbia.

The 7th-ranked Wildcats have named a largely unchanged side from the group that upset BYU two weeks ago. Matteo Berenger will captain the team from fullback. In the front row, Carter Hertstein steps in at hooker, joining Isaac Morrill and Dalton Slaughter. Tanner DeMassa, fresh off his spring debut following an injury layoff, has been named vice captain.

“Tanner’s impact both as a player and a leader was huge last week,” said Director of Rugby Sean Duffy. “We’re thrilled to have him back on the field, and our forwards understand the challenge that lies ahead on this trip.”

The Arizona backline features just one change but will aim to maintain its high-scoring form against the Spartans. Brody Johnson moves into the starting lineup at inside center alongside Nick Morgan. After a two-try performance against BYU, Parker Beilke retains his spot on the wing as the second-year player continues to develop within the system.

“Parker has taken a huge step forward, and with a backline full of young players, we’re just scratching the surface,” Duffy added.

Arizona and Trinity Western met last season in Tucson, where the Wildcats earned a 49–27 victory. The Spartans enter this matchup with a 4–8 record, most recently defeating Western Washington 41–29 on March 7. Arizona’s 2nd XV will also make the trip, facing United RFC at 10:30 AM on the exterior field adjacent to the stadium.

The 1st XV match will be held at Willoughby Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 2:30 PM PST and being streamed here.

Arizona's full schedule can be found here.

Arizona vs TWU

6- Jacob Jaffe

7- Tanner DeMassa - VC

8- Aiden Kemp

9- Connor McIsaac