Jan 26- Arizona returns to action this weekend in their second home match of the year as they welcome Utah Valley to Sitton Field on Saturday. The 16th-ranked Wildcats have named the team that will take on the Wolverines, with some changes from the squad that played #2 Cal hard in Berkeley last weekend. 

 

In the forwards three players make their first career starts for the Wildcats, with Hooker Jake Hedge and Prop Cody Hunt joining Kurt Vecchio. Last week's high-powered combo of Vice Captain Sean Coleman and Bronson Teles make up the second row, while Ben Scoular and Ryan Fitzpatrick are joined by Number Eight Zach Heisterkamp who also makes his first career start. "We are excited for this match for a number of reasons, and in the Forwards we look forward to seeing a few newer faces in the first side" said Head Coach Sean Duffy.

 

In the backline, Captain Kyle Rogers pairs with his brother Matt at Flyhalf and Scrumhalf, respectively with Jeremy Fleet coming in at Inside Center and pairing with Ben Joseph. On the edge the trio of Jack San Pietro, Lou MacLaughlin, and Dante Weeks make up the backline. "Exciting group in the backline, with some guys that are just about ready to break out in my opinion" said Duffy.

 

In the reserves a number of players are shifted to the bench, with Zach Biggs, Steven Branham, Sam Peri, Bryce Mantell, and Tyler Hansen ready if called upon in the Forwards. In the Backs, Garrett Walker, Shane Dempsey, and Mikey Joseph provide depth to the roster.

 

For the Wildcats (1-1) this weekend will give the squad an opportunity to get back in the win column after a loss last weekend. Saturday will also include a top notch Second XV match, as that side will take on PAC Conference newcomer USC. The Wildcats Second XV scored an impressive 25-12 win last week at Stanford, and looks to move to 2-0 on the season.

 

 

Utah Valley Lineup (click for bio)

1. Kurt Vecchio

2. Jake Hedge

3. Cody Hunt

4. Sean Coleman

5. Bronson Teles

6. Ben Scoular

7. Ryan Fitzpatrick

8. Zach Heisterkamp

9. Matt Rogers

10. Kyle Rogers (C)

11. Jack San Pietro

12. Jeremy Fleet

13. Ben Joseph

14. Lou MacLaughlin

15. Dante Weeks

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16. Zach Biggs

17. Steven Branham

18. Sam Peri

19. Bryce Mantell

20. Tyler Hansen

21. Garrett Walker

22. Shane Dempsey

23. Mikey Joseph