LAKE CHARLES — The Northwestern State soccer team is experiencing something going into Sunday's 1 p.m. match at McNeese that is hasn't felt all season. NSU is disappointed. 

"We want to use the hurt, and use the way we are feeling to push us forward and get better going forward," said co-head coach Jess Jobe. "I think it's good, and we do feel confident in our group's ability to bounce back and to learn from it and get better from it." 

The Lady Demons fell for the first time all season at Lamar on Friday night. The result, a 2-0 defeat, was the first one of its kind this season for NSU, as it sits at 7-1-1 overall and 5-1-1 in Southland Conference play. 

"We've had a lot of success, and sometimes when you're at the top, that first time you fall, it's going to hurt," Jobe said. "We talked to the girls, and the way they're feeling, obviously disappointed about that result — that being the first loss — is perfectly appropriate."

The loss to Lamar concludes Northwestern State's best start in school history. That impressive beginning also included a six-game shutout streak, which is also a program best. 

Those weren't a mirage. Those were the norms and representative of the quality of NSU's soccer program, and it looks forward to rounding back into winning form Sunday at Cowgirl Field. 

"Our next opportunity to get three points is at McNeese," Jobe said. "Our focus is going to shift very quickly and hope we can use (Friday night) to be better going forward."

McNeese enters at 3-4-1 overall and 3-3-1 in league action, fresh off a 3-1 victory over Central Arkansas. The Cowgirls are 3-1-0 at home this season. 

Northwestern State is 14-15-5 all-time against McNeese. The two teams split last season's matchups, as NSU claimed a victory in the conference tournament semifinals after falling 2-1 in the regular-season meeting.

Following the game in Lake Charles, Northwestern State will enjoy an off week prior to finishing the regular season with home matches against Abilene Christian and Incarnate Word and road game at Central Arkansas.