The Arizona rugby team ended its season Saturday with a 77-12 win over Idaho State at Estevan Park.

The game was part of the seventh annual Memorial Invitational, in which the Wildcats and Bengals were the only teams competing after the University of San Diego and Colorado withdrew due to injuries.

The Wildcats (9-7, 5-3) claimed their sixth straight win, marking a big reversal for the ruggers.

The Wildcats started the season at 3-7, but won their final six games to finish the season above .500.

"It was a pretty good turnaround," head coach Dave Sitton said. "Over the last six weeks, we've turned into a different team."

Senior center Joe Schmitt opened up the scoring for the Wildcats with an early try to take a 7-0 lead. The ruggers never slowed down after that.

UA scored the first 48 points of the game and never trailed the Bengals.

Senior wing Pat Marek led all Wildcat scorers with two tries.

The Wildcats were able to keep the Idaho State offense at bay for most of the game. Idaho State's only scores came late in the second half when the Wildcats already had the game in hand.

"We played very good defense," Sitton said. "We were always over the game line. That made the difference."

Sitton said he was pleased with the way his team finished the season and hopes this year's late-season success will carry over to next year.

"(The strong finish) is a big deal for several reasons, but most importantly for our confidence and attitude," Sitton said.

Sitton said it would be vital for the team to have a productive off-season.

"Next year we will have the best collegiate rugby schedule in the nation," Sitton said.

As for the team's goals for next year, Sitton had one response.

"We want to contend for the national championship."