The Ball State men's lacrosse club came into this spring season determined to exceed expectations. The Cardinals, who were predicted to finish last in conference play in preseason polls, finished their conference schedule one game shy of winning the Central Collegiate Lacrosse Association title.
The Cardinals (5-4 overall, 5-2 conference) lost 21-12 to Indiana University of Pennsylvania (4-0) on Saturday in Grove City, Pa.
A Ball State win would have sealed a conference title. The Cardinals entered the fourth quarter tied, but with a roster depleted from players' conflicting schedules, they were unable to keep up with IUP's pace. First-year coach Konnie Komarovsky believed his team played hard to stay in the game.
"We played tough but ran out of steam," Komarovsky said. "It was a real grind-it-out game."
Ball State rebounded late in the season after a slow start. The Cardinals began 1-3, suffering losses to in-state rival Purdue (2-7) and conference opponent Taylor (4-3).
Ball State beat Grove City College (1-3) 13-12 prior to its game against IUP. With under a minute to play in the fourth quarter, Ball State went up 12-11 on the Wolverines. Grove City responded by scoring with 16 seconds left in regulation. On a last-second play, club president Terry Nichter went one-on-one in Grove City territory and scored the winning point.
"Everyone realized that the teams we lost to were good teams," Nichter said. "After a competitive game with Purdue, I think people started to realize that our skill level is there and that we could compete with any team in our division."
Two years ago, Ball State lacrosse dropped out of the CCLA because of lack of players and club dues not being paid. In order to be reinstated this season, the Cards were put on probation and could not participate in postseason play.
"We came in this season with a chip on our shoulders, and we just wanted to make some noise and make a name for ourselves," Komarovsky said.
With the Cardinals' recent success, Komarovsky believes the probation will be lifted at the end of the season. If that happens, the team would move from Division B to Division A status and would be allowed to compete in postseason play next year.
Nichter said Komarovsky made their recent success possible.
"He has greatly improved the team simply by organizing all of the talent we have and making sure the right people are in the right places," Nichter said. "He also has the ability to make sure that everyone's heads are in the right place."
The Cardinals finish the regular season on April 24, against non-conference opponent West Virginia.
< B>Lacrosse the game< B>
Lacrosse, referred to as the fastest game on two feet, originated from Native Americans hundreds of years ago. The sport is a combination between soccer and hockey. It requires much endurance and excellent hand-eye coordination.
"You can run as much as a soccer game, and it's as physical as hockey, if not more," Komarovsky said.
The ball used in lacrosse is made of solid rubber and is about eight inches in circumference. Players use a crosse -- made of wood and netting -- to catch, carry and hurl the ball. All players must wear helmets, face masks, and shoulder pads.
Games are played for 60 minutes and divided into four periods of 15 minutes each. Each goal is worth one point.
The Ball State club team begins practice for next season at the end of September and encourages anyone to come out for the team.
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