It's not very often that the No. 6 Laxcats get out-hustled and out-played.

However, that is exactly what happened this weekend when UA (13-2, 6-0) dropped only their second game of the season to No.1 Sonoma State, 20-9, in Sonoma, Calif.

The Laxcats concluded their regular season as victims of the style of lacrosse they usually use to win games.

They were defeated in the ground-ball game and lost the face-off battle 25-6. Sonoma State was able to keep possession for most of the game and kept the potent UA attack unit in check.

"They made very few mistakes," junior defenseman Jeff Kinsella said of the Cossacks. "Every little mistake we made, they capitalized on."

Sonoma State (16-1, 6-0) jumped out of the gates and led the Laxcats 5-0 after the first quarter and 10-3 at halftime.

"Sonoma State played well and we got out-hustled," senior goalie Greg Parkington said. "They got an early lead and never looked back."

Parkington said that because of the high rankings of both teams, the Laxcats thought that it would automatically be a good game.

"We almost underestimated their ranking," Parkington said. "We just assumed we would give them a game."

This was the Laxcats' seventh consecutive loss to the Cossacks, including two playoff losses last season.

Parkington said that it would be important to use this loss heading into the playoffs.

"It is important we don't let the losing mentality creep into our head," Parkington said. "Instead, we need to use it as a reminder of how not to play."

Kinsella agreed and compared the last time they lost to this game.

"After our last loss, we went on a run and won six straight. That is what we need heading into the playoffs. It will get us geared up and (let us) know what we need to do to win a national championship."

This was the Laxcats' final preparation for the West Coast Lacrosse League playoffs, which begin Saturday. UA will open the WCLL quarterfinals at home against the University of California San Diego at 1 p.m.