(from a Santa Barbara release)

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -- The Arizona men's lacrosse tteam traveled up to Santa Barbara this past Wednesday night to face the Gauchos under the lights at Harder Stadium, with the home team taking the eventual, 10-5 victory.

The first quarter allowed UCSB to assess its match-ups on both offense and defense. Arizona got on the board first, but Jake Newman scored right back for the Gauchos. Wesley Kim quickly followed with a shot off the wing on a fast break opportunity. After Arizona’s first goal, the defense shut down the Wildcats and the quarter ended 3-1.

Arizona struck first in the second quarter, but the Gauchos responded with a quick pass from Casey Mix on the wing to Newman coming up from X for a door -step goal. Following that, UCSB had a man-up opportunity, allowing Eli Suhadolnik to put one past the goalkeeper. Suhadolnik added another goal for his hat trick before the end of the half.

The first half ended with the Gauchos up, 6-3.

UCSB continued to hold down the fort on defense in the second half, despite the Gauchos making some mental mistakes and getting a few too many penalties. In the third quarter the offense continued to push the cage for the Gauchos. On another man up opportunity, Newman added his third for a hat trick.

Casey Mix followed with a catch on the crease from Jamie Gates, and backhanded it through the goalie’s legs. To end the quarter, Kai Welsh used his speed and quickness to weave through the defense and score. The Gaucho’s defense was able to shut out the Wildcats in the third quarter0.

The final quarter was a bit slow for the Gauchos. Suhadolnik added his fourth goal off a feed from Elliot Stanger, but the Gauchos were not able to generate much on offense. Arizona managed to score two more goals, but the Gauchos had established a comfortable lead at that point.

Peter Brydon had eight saves in goal for UCSB.

This past three game stretch was a tough challenge for UCSB, but the Gauchos managed to come out with two wins. Now it’s time to take a break for the next week as they rest up and prepare for finals.

UCSB's next game will be at Sonoma State on Wednesday, March 29.