Following their impressive win over Arizona State, the Grand Canyon University Men's Lacrosse Team struggled to get back to peak performance, falling to conference rival University of Arizona, 10-8, Saturday afternoon at Arizona's David Sitton Field in Tucson.

After opening the game on a quick score from Austin Saupe, the Wildcats then answered, scoring three straight goals to take a 3-1 lead after the opening quarter. Some back-and-forth action, featuring GCU's Nick Whittall going shot-for-shot with the Arizona offense, allowed the Lopes to close the deficit to 5-4 at halftime.

Whittall started the second half just as hot, scoring his hat-trick goal two minutes into the third quarter. Despite the sharpshooting from Whittall and the Lopes' offense, untimely turnovers led to fast break offense for Arizona, helping the Wildcats enter the final quarter with a 9-6 edge.

GCU senior Griffin Rodas helped the Lopes get within one goal, but Arizona answered shortly after, putting the finishing touches on the Wildcat win.

"We did not do a good job of clearing the ball or taking care of the ball on the offensive end," said GCU Men's Lacrosse Head Coach Jeff Guy. "Even though we shot the ball well, we didn't have enough possessions to make it count."

The Wildcats had 15 more offensive possessions than the Lopes, despite GCU winning 60% of the face-offs.

Next up, the Lopes return to Tucson for the Southwestern Lacrosse Conference Division I Tournament, facing off against No. 1 seed Concordia University Irvine.

"This weekend is an opportunity," said Guy. "It's an opportunity to beat the No. 2-ranked team in the country (CUI), to avenge an overtime loss from earlier this season, to play for the conference championship on Sunday."