When the No. 8 Arizona Laxcats take on No. 11 Cal Poly in the Western Collegiate Lacrosse League semifinals tomorrow at 3:30 p.m. in Santa Barbara, Calif., they will try to forget about their first-round playoff defeat last year and build on their recent winning streak. The Arizona men’s club lacrosse team has won four in a row and eight of 10.

Although the Laxcats (11-4) have been strong on defense recently, they will face one of the most potent offenses in the league in the Mustangs (11-5). Senior attackman Tim Casey, who ranks fifth in the conference with 59 points, and sophomore attackman Seth Kweller, who sits in 10th place with 48, anchor the Cal Poly attack.

Arizona head coach Kenny Broschart said he knows how important defense is, but he is also aware that the Mustangs will be able to score goals and thinks that a strong game offensively might be the best defense.

“”We have been working hard on the game plan against Poly,”” senior attackman Steve Luna said. “”We also have been running a lot, so you can count on us to have a big game.””

The offensive game plan seems to have a common theme to all the players: ball possession.

“”We need to do our best to keep the ball in the hands of the offense,”” said senior midfielder Brian Etheredge. “”Their offense won’t be able to score if we have the ball.””

Senior defensive close defender and defensive captain Carson Parmelee also said he knows that playing as a team is the best formula for victory.

Parmelee and the defense are aware of the two strong attackmen they will be facing, but they don’t feel it is an issue.

“”We have played teams with two great players before,”” Parmelee said. “”We know that if we play as a team, two players cannot beat us.””

As the Laxcats continue to win, their winning attitude is getting stronger and stronger.

Captains Parmelee and Etheredge are confident in their team’s chances because of the solid week of practice the team has had.

“”I think we have had the four best practices of the year this week,”” Parmelee said. “”This is what we have been waiting for all year. We are very prepared.””