By
Jeff Lund
Arizona Daily Wildcat
The unbeaten UA rugby team opens conference play Sunday at Estevan Park against Arizona State. The match begins at 1:30 p.m.
"Our goal is to win (a conference title) again," UA head coach Dave Sitton said. "It's nice to be opening at home."
Although the Wildcats (4-0) have won 12 straight against ASU, Sitton is preparing for a typical UA-ASU rivalry.
"They are people from ASU," he said. "It doesn't matter how talented they are, they will try and give us everything they can. It's same deal as every other sport. We have to take them very seriously."
The two-time defending SoCal Conference Champion Wildcats swept through their fall schedule with victories over Colorado, Air Force, Texas A&M and New Mexico.
The Wildcats, however, will be without senior standout Josh Allen, who injured his knee against Air Force.
"Replacing Josh will be difficult," Sitton said. "We are trying to avoid surgery, but he will probably be out three or four weeks."
Sitton said the Wildcats will need more production from others without Allen.
The Wildcats are looking for more contributions from their freshman standouts - Andrew Brischke and Jonathan Straka.
Over the Winter break, Brischke represented the United States on the under-19 team and helped the U.S. to a tournament championship.
"Our freshmen are playing skill positions," coach Sitton said. "They have significant experience."
Sitton is confident the Wildcats will continue their winning tradition and claim another conference title. The Wildcats have won three out of the last four conference championships behind strong senior classes.
"The one year we didn't win still pulls at my heart," coach Sitton said.
