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Arizona LaxCats Yowza
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Arizona LaxCats Episode Four: Yowza

This week the Arizona LaxCats travel up north to the Coaches vs Cancer Classic in Phoenix. This tournament, hosted by the American Cancer Society with Under Armour as the main sponsor, is dedicated to raising awareness for the fight against cancer. The event featured 10 of the top MCLA teams in the nation, along with top WCLA and local high school games as well.

The Cats recently had to deal with the departure of Junior midfielder Griffin Goudreaux. Griffin tried out for the Arizona Wildcats football team and made the roster, so he was no longer able to participate in functions with the team. He was a recent transfer from Providence College, and at 6’5 230 lbs., Griffin was a big presence for the LaxCats on the offensive end.

Ranked in the Top 10 at #9, the Arizona LaxCats looked to face 13th ranked Simon Fraser University. SFU is the only team from Canada in the MCLA, so the boys felt a little patriotism running through their veins to say the least.

All week, the team was listening to patriotic songs and chanting ‘America’ to get pumped for the game. It was as if they were all told this was a game they needed to win for Lady Liberty.

Off to a slow start, the Cats only led by 1 after the 1st quarter. They picked it up in the 2nd with 3 goals, but absolutely took off in the third with 7 goals. There was no coming back from that deficit despite a three goal 4th quarter by Simon Fraser. Zona took home this one with a convincing 14-5 win.

Simon Fraser 0 1 1 3 0
Arizona 1 3 7 3 0

The players were fueled by freedom and nothing was going to get in their way of taking this one home.

The attack unit had themselves a game. Freshman Austin Miller had a 4 goal performance, but not to be outplayed were Juniors Ben Brehne and Foster Bundy. Ben had 2 goals and 4 assists while Foster had a hat trick plus 4 assists.

25th ranked Minnesota was the next team the Cats would face. This game looked to be repeat of the previous game from the beginning.

The Arizona LaxCats jumped out to a 4-1 lead in the first quarter, but the cushion would stop there. Minnesota took their shot at Zona, coming back with a three goal 2nd quarter.

From there, it was neck and neck until the end. Foster Bundy got the ball at the end and ran out the clock to get the 10-9 win for the LaxCats. Foster had 2 goals and 2 assists, but Ben Brehne was the player of the game with 3 goals and 2 assists. His 5 point performance was highlighted by taking on 5 of Minnesota’s players by himself as the Cats were substituting and coming out with a G! (6:17)

Minnesota 1 3 3 2 0
Arizona 4 2 2 2 0

“YOWZA” is a phrase commonly used by the announcer, Mickey-Miles Felton.

Mickey was a long time coach of the Arizona LaxCats, helping pave the way for lacrosse in the West. He still comes to the games to support the Cats and has a great relationship with the players.

We’re not quite sure what the definition of Yowza is, but his exuberance when he says it is highly contagious. This LaxCats program wouldn’t be where it is today without Mickey Miles.