During finals week, most UA students are thinking about tests, moving out and finishing the school year. However, the Laxcats have only one thing on their mind - a national championship.

"All of us expect to win," junior defenseman Jeff Kinsella said. "If you're not going there to win it all, then there is no reason in going."

UA (15-3, 5-0) plays its United States Lacrosse Intercollegiate Association first-round national championship game this morning at 8:30 a.m CDT in St. Louis against the University of California Berkley (13-5, 4-1). The game will start at 6:30 a.m. MST.

The early start is something new for the Laxcats, but the Golden Bears also must battle the difference in time change.

"We've been practicing early in the morning all week to get us ready, but if you can't get up for a game now, then you don't deserve to win," Kinsella said.

The Laxcats come into this game as the No. 8 seed in the 16-team tournament, a spot that UA is not too happy with.

With a win against No. 4 Michigan, two wins against No. 7 Santa Barbara, and a ranking as high as No. 6, the Laxcats said they felt they deserved a higher seed

A first-round win could mean a second-round matchup with No. 1 Sonoma State.

"It (the high seed) is frustrating," Kinsella said. "We understand that nothing will be given to us. We will have to work for everything we get."

"Just like the NCAA basketball tournament, there will be some complaining about seeds, but we'll just have to get though it and play well," senior goalie Greg Parkington said.

This will be the first meeting between the Laxcats and Western Collegiate Lacrosse League foe Cal.

The Bears are led by WCLL first-teamers attackman Todd Parker, who had 53 goals and 17 assists, and midfielder Kevin Terry.

The Laxcats counter with their own WCLL frist-teamers, senior attackman Jay Spatafora and junior midfielder Bryan Moore, as well as second-teamer Kinsella.

A season that was filled with uncertainty has turned out well for the Laxcats.

This was Adam Hopkins' first year as head coach after former coach Mickey-Miles Felton retired after 26 years.

The team saw many of its younger players step in and play major roles, including freshman goalie Sean Koffel.

"The freshmen and transfers have really stepped in and filled some roles," Kinsella said.

Parkington is the only senior losing his final year of eligibility, so the majority of the team should be returning for next season.

"I hate to look forward and past the playoffs, but I am really excited for next season," Kinsella said.