CHRIS CODUTO/Arizona Daily Wildcat Senior defenseman Tom Wiley tries to knock the ball away from a USC player during the second quarter of Arizona's 15-1 victory over USC earlier this week. The Laxcats won both their weekend games, and beat St. Mary's last night.

Last night's final home game of the season for the UA men's lacrosse team was more than an 18-1 victory over St. Mary's. It was a matter of principle.

"It was (about) pride," said junior defensive midfielder Bryan Cox, who scored two goals. "Last year, the defense played aggressively and was the heart and soul of the team. We wanted to get back to that."

With sticks up and flailing, Arizona's defense played the ball right into the hands of its offense. Laxcat attackman Greg Polheber led all scorers with three goals and four assists, while fellow attackman Adam Paris and midfielder Jeems Lochridge added three scores each for Arizona (11-3, 6-1 Western Collegiate Lacrosse League).

After St. Mary's Ben Gillespie broke the shutout with 10:31 remaining in the fourth period, and with the Laxcats already leading 14-0, Arizona took its time getting back to work against the Gaels (4-6, 2-1). The Laxcats scored four goals in the game's final three minutes, including the first tally of the season for freshman midfielder Paul Rippetoe.

Arizona struggled on offense in the second half, holding the ball for barely 14 minutes after keeping it for 12 in the first period alone. Dim field lighting kept both teams playing cat-and-mouse as the night continued.

"We were just trying to work on things too much," Arizona head coach Kenny Broschart said.

Ten players scored for the Laxcats, two short of their season-high. Besides Rippetoe, freshman attackman Shawn Furman and senior midfielder Jared Peter saw extensive playing time as the game grew out of reach.

"A lot of the guys who are at practice every day, working really hard ÷ they end up getting into games (like this one)," Cox said. "It's great for them to finally get into the game because they're at practice every day with us."

Arizona has two weeks to prepare for its regular-season finale April 17 against Arizona State. The game will be a final hurrah for the Laxcats' three seniors ÷ Lochridge, Peter and defenseman Tom Wiley ÷ before the team begins postseason play April 24.

"As we play ASU, we just really have to focus and make sure that we go into the playoffs strong," Cox said. "It's easy, when you play teams that really aren't at the same level, to take steps backwards. It's really important for us to just maintain focus and make sure we're progressing as a team."