TUCSON, Ariz. - In a defensive matchup with multiple lead-switches, the #9 Central Washington University men's rugby team held off #8 University of Arizona 19-17.
 
INSIDE THE FIXTURE:

• Final: #9 CWU 19, #8 UA 17
• Location: William David Sitton Field | Tucson, Ariz.

QUOTING HEAD COACH TODD THORNLEY:

• "Arizona has a wonderfully skilled, athletic team, and they made us pay a couple of times. We managed to hang tough, especially on the road, and our defense saw us through again. There were elements of our game we really struggled with, but I'm very proud of the guys for earning the result we wanted."

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• A long-looping pass gifted Arizona to the match's first try, as the Crimson and Black fell behind early. A successful conversion pushed the score to 0-7.
• Central Washington's fourth trip inside Arizona's 22-meter line resulted in a try for CWU, scored by Daniel McQuade in the 28th minute. The Arizona lead was cut to 5-7.
• In the 32nd minute, Samson Dwyer shed a pair of Arizona tacklers to score a try, followed by a Jac Tregoning conversion to give CWU a 12-7 lead.
• Arizona stopped Central Washington's momentum toward the end of the first half, preventing further tries before the break. Regardless, CWU entered halftime up 12-7.
• In the 44th minute, Arizona answered back, scoring a try along with a successful conversion to retake the lead at 12-14.
• Just a few minutes later, Arizona nailed a penalty kick to expand their lead to five, making the score 12-17.
• Campbell Robb responded for the Crimson and Black, knotting it up at 17 apiece before a Jac Tregoning conversion gave CWU a two-point lead at 19-17.
• A pivotal defensive stand for the Wildcats near the end of the match clinched the victory for CWU by a final score of 19-17.

UP NEXT:

• The Wildcats (3-1) will play the final road match of the season at the #17 Cal Poly on Saturday, Feb. 17, at 1:00 p.m., followed by six consecutive home fixtures.