Huge weekend ahead for Laxcats

Brian Foster Arizona Daily Wildcat Junior attackman Dan Price displays his fancy stick work against a helpless Sonoma State defender. The Laxcats face Loyola Marymount University tomorrow and UCSB Sunday. Both games will be held at Wildcat Field.

"I think it is going to be a very exciting game because both teams understand the implications of the game," Laxcat head coach Mickey-Miles Felton said.

The Laxcats (4-5 overall, 2-1 in the WCLL) have suffered their usual problems this week concerning health. Senior captain Dave Ames and freshmen Todd Anchondo and Andy Barson have not been practicing due to illnesses.

"I don't know how much all of that is going to affect us because it will definitely not help in preparing our game plan," Felton said.

UA is adding one player to its roster this weekend. UA football player Matt Wilkins, a wide receiver and freshman midfielder from Connecticut, will turn in the pigskin for a lacrosse stick and step onto the field in a game situation for the first time.

"It enables me to split up my freshmen attack and start junior Dan McCarthy down there instead," Felton said.

The Laxcats won't have too much time to rest after Saturday afternoon because they will be right back at Wildcat Field on Sunday at noon to face off against the Santa Barbara Gauchos, who are ranked fifth in the nation.

"I just hope we come out with the emotions and fire on Sunday that I know we will have on Saturday," Felton said.

The game versus UCSB does not have playoff implications but it does effect the national polls.

"A big concern about the UCSB game is I want (us) to come out healthy," Felton said.