Wildcats Go 1-1 in Canada

WILDCATS GO 1-1 CANADA

TRINITY WESTERN 37
ARIZONA 17

Matteo Berenger and the Wildcats will look to bounce back in their regular season finale. (Photo credits: Josh Pearson)

Mar 24- Arizona embarked on a mini-tour of Canada this past weekend, finishing 1–1 in British Columbia with matches against United Academy and Trinity Western University.

The weekend opened with a resounding 2nd XV performance, as Jackson Kutcher led the Wildcats to a 52–26 victory over United. Lachlan Teissier added two tries to pace the attack, while PJ Enegren made a major impact on both sides of the ball.

Arizona’s top side then faced Trinity Western, an associate D1A member and varsity program that regularly competes against Canada’s best. The Wildcats struck first in the 17th minute, as Parker Beilke split the defense to send Nick Morgan through for the opening try, converted by Matteo Berenger for a 7–0 lead.

The Spartans answered with a penalty, but Arizona responded quickly. Morgan created space out wide to release wing Jake Schumacher, extending the lead to 14–3 in the 31st minute. Trinity Western would not go away, capitalizing on an Arizona mistake just before halftime to score and close the gap to 14–10 at the break.

The hosts carried that momentum into the second half, knocking over a long-range penalty in the 48th minute to make it 14–13. Berenger responded five minutes later with a penalty of his own to push the lead back to 17–13.

Trinity Western ultimately capitalized on late Arizona errors, executing a backs move off a scrum to take a 20–17 lead. Despite multiple entries into the Spartans’ 22, the Wildcats were unable to convert their chances.

“We had several opportunities, and Trinity Western took advantage of theirs more than we did,” said Director of Rugby Sean Duffy.

A late score extended the Spartans’ advantage before Arizona answered with a final try from the lineout, but the comeback fell short.

“Many thanks to Trinity Western for hosting — we value this series,” Duffy added. “While it wasn’t a standings match, we expect to win and are disappointed when we don’t meet our standard. It was a great experience with plenty to learn from, and we’ll be better for it.”

Arizona returns home for its final regular season match this Saturday against Colorado State. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. at Sitton Field.

Arizona's full schedule can be found here.

Scoring vs TWU

Tries: Morgan, Schumacher

Conversions: Berenger- 2/2

Penalties: Berenger- 1/1

Arizona vs TWU