Wildcats Set to Host UCLA

WILDCATS SET TO HOST UCLA

#10 ARIZONa vs #12 ucla

Saxon Gerstl and the Wildcats will host the Bruins in an important west coast clash (Photo credits: Tyler Horton)

Feb 26- 10th-ranked Arizona has announced the side that will welcome UCLA to Sitton Field tomorrow in a pivotal West Coast matchup between ranked opponents. The Wildcats have named a largely unchanged lineup from the group that pushed No. 4 University of California, Berkeley to the wire two weeks ago, with Matteo Berenger set to captain the side from fullback.

In the midfield, Brody Johnson and Nick Morgan form a powerful center partnership that has been instrumental in driving Arizona’s attack. Second-year center Sintu Mjali is included in the 23-man squad as well, providing versatile cover across both midfield spots. Parker Beilke moves into the starting lineup on the right wing, while Jackson Kutcher also steps into the run-on side.

Up front, the second-row pairing of Chris Grosse and Andreas Andersson will look to command the set piece, with first-year Wildcat Alex Kemp named among the reserves. Another Kemp will anchor the back row, as Aiden starts at No. 8 alongside Jacob Jaffe and Braedon Butte.

The Bruins enter the match at 1–4 this spring, most recently falling to the University of San Diego. With the postseason approaching, both teams will be eager to secure a critical result. “We have played some really close matches with UCLA, and they will be firing,” said Director of Rugby Sean Duffy. “They are well-coached and have plus athletes, so we will need to stick to the game plan for 80 minutes.”

The weekend will also mark a milestone for the program, as alumni, families, and supporters gather to celebrate Arizona Rugby’s 57th anniversary. The Arizona 2nd XV will return to action as well, kicking off immediately following the 1st XV match.

Kickoff is set for 1 PM at Sitton Field, with the Arizona 2nd XV following immediately after. Admission is free for all UA students and staff with a Catcard.

To watch the matches live, click here.

Arizona's full schedule can be found here.

Arizona vs UCLA

6- Jacob Jaffe

8- Aiden Kemp