The Standard

Issue date: 4/23/09 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Chris Cox

Losing can be a humbling yet learning experience. After a rare loss, the Missouri State lacrosse team is hoping that such an experience will lead them back onto the winning path.

The Bears close out the regular season this weekend, playing at Division-I opponents Kansas (Saturday, noon) and Kansas State (Sunday, noon). Both games will take place at Kansas' Shenk Complex.

"I think we'll have the right focus," said Missouri State attacker Eddie Corno. "Everyone is anxious to get back to after we didn't play as strong as possible in our last game."

Missouri State trounced Arkansas 20-8 at home last Friday on senior night. The following Sunday, the Bears traveled to Mizzou and were soundly defeated 10-5.

The loss was Missouri State's first since an 11-7 setback against Southwestern on Feb. 15, also the opening weekend of the season for the Bears. It snapped a six-game winning streak for the Bears (8-2 overall, 3-0 GRLC South).

After going over two months without a loss, the Bears got a rude reminder of what it's like to be on the losing end.

"When you get on rolls like we were, you do kind of forget what it's like to lose," Corno said. "(Losing) humbles you and has a way of keeping you focused."

The Bears fell behind Mizzou early and never were able to get going until it was too late, assistant coach Pat Callaham said.

"You could tell when we fell behind that guys weren't the same," Callaham said. "They looked kind of dejected and lost."

Subpar conditions and the fact that it was also Mizzou's final home game didn't aid the Bears..

"We just didn't play that well," MSU's Kevin Moss said. "We came out flat and Mizzou outplayed us. It was rainy, and we didn't respond well to the conditions."

There is good news for the Bears. Missouri State has already locked up the Great Rivers Lacrosse Conference Division-II title, meaning it enters this weekend's regular season finale with little to lose.

"This is the time to get all the bad play out of us," Callaham said.

Kansas is 3-6 on the season but beat Mizzou at home 7-4 on April 11. The Jayhawks will also be playing in their final home game of the season.

"Lacrosse is a lot different when you're playing catch-up," Moss said. "Now is the right time for us to play in difficult games will be close."

Kansas State is 2-7 overall and has lost seven games in a row. Kansas State hosts Kansas for its home finale Friday night.

Despite having little on the line, Corno said the Bears are seeking wins this weekend - and a healthy roster for the GRLC Playoffs.

"You try to not think about injuries," Corno said. "You just go out there and play like it's another game. It just happens that this game is against two more Division I teams."

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