Biola's lacrosse team stumbled in the Southwestern Lacrosse Conference Playoff semifinals, losing 12-6 to Grand Canyon University on Saturday, May 5. The loss came after a first round bye, putting a sour end on a successful season for the Eagles. Biola finished with an undefeated 5-0 conference record and an 8-4 overall record. Junior Jeff Clark was named to the first team All-SLC while senior Adam Kingston received second team honors. Freshman spring transfer Matt Young also received honors on the SLC All-Freshman Team.
2012 Season had been all around improvement
Biola has shown tremendous growth over the past few years, improving from a 17-17 record over the past two years. One of the strengths of the program has resulted from the continuity and leadership of many seniors. This year eight seniors brought multiple-year experience with the team. This has allowed the Eagles to establish a solid core and build confidence moving forward. Their leadership becomes important with changing levels for recruitment. Experience level among new players has varied over the years, but has begun to be more dependable.
“From what we've heard, down the pipeline, the coach has said we got a lot of new recruits coming in who have a lot of experience, which before we showed up, only one of 15 guys coming in had experience,” senior Sean Lane said.
There is a gap between neighboring schools because Biola does not offer lacrosse scholarships. Biola lacrosse is forced to take players who come to Biola for various reasons, and to allow lacrosse to transform their experience here.
“When you have a player who is on the fence between Concordia [University] and Biola, and Concordia is offering him $10,000 a year, and Biola is offering him just Biola, it's hard to stay competitive,” Harrington said.
Players stay positive despite opposition
This challenge has not discouraged them, however. The leaders on the team have taken on the role to motivate and inspire players to be fully invested in Biola and the lacrosse program.
“Lacrosse isn't just something we do for fun … it's serious business,” Lane said.
The competitive drive for their sport puts a burden on them to be godly opponents. However, the drive to be considerate and friendly opponents can lead to passive efforts.
“It's hard to teach a team to be evangelists, as well as athletes … when we do get into those leads, where we are crushing people, they still want to play us afterwards, they still want to pray with us, and I think that is where Biola lacrosse really shines — that we are humble in victory as well as defeat, and I think that is something that Biola can carry throughout,” Lane said.
Biola looks forward to a new season next spring, and they continue to see their team come full circle as young stars develop into leaders on the field.
