After being rained out Friday and Saturday, the Arizona men's lacrosse club team was greeted by sub par, but playable field conditions at Rincon Vista and emerged with a 13-6 victory over No. 14 Missouri.
Initially, due to rainy weather conditions, both Friday evening and Saturday's matches were canceled against the Tigers and Loyola Marymount, a contender in Arizona's Western Collegiate Lacrosse League.
Both Arizona and Missouri came out strong going back and forth, but neither club was able to convert on scoring chances.
Arizona had trouble early as balls were dropped repeatedly in the slippery rain. Eventually, both sides were able to warm up, but were left deadlocked at halftime with a score of 5-5.
As the club gained composure in the second half, the Laxcats found themselves in control of the game tempo, maintaining possession. Momentum began to shift, and the tale of two halves began.
Laxcats midfielders, Dave Sherman and Harrison Crawford made great efforts to control the neutral zone, keeping the Tigers from etching back into the game.
"We only had seven balls dropped in the second half" said senior Greg Abdouch.
The Laxcats went on to outscore the Tigers 8-1 in the second half.
Adam Paris led the team in scoring netting six goals to lead Arizona to their first victory.
Ruggers fall to 49ers in league play
The Arizona Rugby team traveled to Long Beach State Friday where they fell to the 49ers 20-0 in wet and windy conditions.
The Wildcats opened the first 10 minutes of the game holding a majority of possession.
Soon, the 49ers advanced as the fullbacks became active in the offensive, finding the first try of the game, leading 5-0.
The Ruggers countered with a drive down the field, looking at a possible three-point scoring chance, just one of the rare opportunities seen all day.
Sloppy play resulted in a costly turnover. As Long Beach State marched down the field, frustration began to set in for the Ruggers.
Arizona gave up a penalty kick at midfield, which was converted and increased the 49ers' lead to 8-0.
As the swampy field conditions kept Arizona from holding any possession,
Long Beach State continued to pull away. As Arizona has not had much experience in the wind and pouring rain, passes were consistently dropped, keeping the Ruggers anywhere but the LBSU end zone.
"We're like horses, we don't run well in the rain," said Arizona head coach Dave Sitton.
"A loss this early in the season isn't that bad," said senior Justin Kunz. "I think it may be better for us in the long run. We're going to need to finish up the season strong."
The game, which was scheduled to be played Sunday morning at UCLA, was canceled indefinitely and may be rescheduled to be played in Arizona later in the year.
The Ruggers remain home this weekend to play both San Diego State Friday and San Diego Sunday.