The Arizona men’s club lacrosse team took the field Saturday for the first time this season competing against a very familiar foe – UA alumni.
Score was not kept for the contest at Rincon Vista Complex.
“”Just to get out there and play, see the old guys again, it was a lot of fun,”” said senior captain Chad Jeffry. “”Everyone had a good time. It was the best turnout in a long time.””
It marked the team’s first action since bowing out to Boston College in the first round of last year’s Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association National Championship Tournament.
Last year’s defensive coordinator, P.J. Rovinelli, takes over at head coach this season after Ken
I don’t care who we play, this season is about coming together. It’s about executing and working hard, and if we do that, we’ll be successful this season.
-P.J. Rovinelli, men’s lacrosse head coach
Broschart stepped down following five years at the helm.
Rovinelli hopes a change in the team’s culture will translate to long-term success.
“”This year, we’re more focused on the team rather that individuals,”” Rovinelli said. “”I don’t care who we play, this season is about coming together. It’s about executing and working hard, and if we do that, we’ll be successful this season.””
The Wildcats consistently played well last season but couldn’t seal the deal when it mattered most. Arizona lost to Sonoma State in the West Coast Lacrosse League Championship game last year to go along with the first-round MCLA tournament loss.
Jeffry expects the team to have a stronger showing this season thanks to the experience it gained from those games.
“”We didn’t lose too many people, so we have a lot of returning guys that should step up this year,”” he said.
The team will start practicing soon to prepare for a preseason tournament Nov. 2-4 in Las Vegas, where stiff competition awaits them in Colorado State and Brigham Young. BYU (4-2) won the 2007 MCLA national championship, and CSU won the title in 2001, 2003 and 2006.
Rovinelli said the Vegas trip will be a good opportunity to go over Xs and Os and let Arizona’s 60 players get acquainted with one another.
“”It will be a fun experience for the guys but also a learning experience,”” he said. “”As long as they take it seriously and work hard on the field, it’s not about wins and losses.
“”They need to learn to play together through execution,”” he added. “”I’m not focused on winning and losing yet. First, they need to learn together and just have a good time.””
