Game has postseason implications for team

The men's lacrosse club team is preparing for a home game that has playoff implications. The Hoosiers will meet Illinois at 2 p.m. Saturday at the intramural fields.\nIU struggled last weekend, making Saturday's game crucial for the Hoosiers' hopes of making the CCLA Tournament at the end of April.\nIU had two games up at Purdue Friday and Saturday, losing to both the Boilermakers Friday and Marquette Saturday. The Hoosiers returned home Sunday for an matinee against Oakland (Mich.) University, but the friendly confines weren't so friendly, as IU stumbled again. \nFreshman attackmen Jon Hatton and Brett Aprati and senior attackman Steve Harris led the Hoosiers' scoring attack.\n"I learned a lot this weekend about our team," coach Vic Bowers said. "We have a ton of talent and potential, but that isn't always what it takes to win."\nThat sets the stage for this weekend's game against Illinois. The Illini are one of IU's biggest division rivals, Bowers said. Each team needs a win to earn a bid in the conference tournament. IU hasn't been able to upend the Illini in the last few seasons, in both regular season match-ups and postseason play.\n"Illinois is a team that has stood in our way for too long," junior defenseman Tom Fell said. "This year, it's time for things to change; we are ready to take it to them and beat them."\nBowers said he agrees. \n"We have had some good practices this week so far," he said. "I think our whole team is ready to step up. They know what they need to do to make the playoffs this year, and are ready to do it"