Explosive First Half Sees Saint Mary's Past Wildcats

If there was a point of concern for Saint Mary's it was their discipline. They defended well but were pinged for offside a few times, resulting in Abbes getting a yellow card. They saw yellow in the second half, too as the Gaels were aggressive on defense, but maybe too aggressive.

SMC Saint Marys vs Arizona 2025 Ruth Harper photo.

Arizona got close to scoring in the first half, only to turn the ball over and find themselves punished by their hosts. But they were a little better in the second half, scoring two tries and holding Saint Mary's in check a bit more.

The Wildcats suffered a late scratch on their exciting young center Brody Johnson, but they were dangerous on the outside regardless.

Besag did get his third, and Saint Mary's iced it with some nifty offloads.

SMC Saint Marys vs Arizona 2025 Ruth Harper photo.

So a tough road outing to open the year for Arizona, and those quick in-and-out trips are difficult to be sure. For Saint Mary's, they will be happy with aspects of their clinical approach, but won't be happy with the penalties.

Next up for Arizona will ne Northern Arizona followed by a unique clash with new D1A team St. Thomas out of Florida. Saint Mary's will go on tour to New Zealand.