It takes a while to get the engine going but once it's fired up it's hard to stop. Likewise, the Cougar lacrosse team has created a habit of started its games cold as ice in the first quarter before cranking up the heat.

In BYU's four losses the Cougars have been outscored 15-8 in the first quarter. In the Cougars' eight victories the team has outscored opponents 28-12.

"It's very important for our team to get a good start," BYU coach Jason Lamb said. "We have had a lot of bad starts and in many cases we have fought back and won and in some cases we haven't."

The key for the Cougars is to come out in the first five minutes of the game and set the tone.

"I just really want to see our guys come out and make a great effort in the first five minutes of the game," Lamb said.

The Cougars will look to improve on their poor first quarter starts Friday night as they take on the No. 14-ranked Lindenwood Lions.

BYU comes in riding high after last week the Cougars swept through a three-game Colorado road series with a perfect 3-0 record, including a solid 14-6 victory over the No. 2-ranked Colorado State Rams.

The Cougars have made a huge improvement in their defensive effort over the past six games, holding their opponents to just under five goals per game.

The defensive change occurred after the Cougars gave up 15 goals against Arizona State.

"We made a dynamic change in the defensive philosophy after the Arizona State. game," Lamb said. "We made some personnel adjustments and some defensive scheme adjustments. The changes have come together and worked out for us."

The Cougars will play their third game of the season on BYUTV. The team has not fared well playing on television, producing a lack-luster 0-2 record. The team will look to overcome the BYUTV jinx as it takes on Lindenwood.

Lamb said playing on TV might be difficult for some of the young Cougars.

"Some players have froze up a little bit," Lamb said. "You just have to suck it up and play. We aren't going to address the TV issue with the players unless it becomes an issue in the first part of the game."

Lindenwood comes into the contest with an 8-4 record, riding a two-game losing streak with losses to Michigan and Michigan St.

The Cougars are on a three-game winning streak and probably have played their best lacrosse of the season in the past three wins.

BYU has only five games left in the regular season and look to improve and prepare for the Men's Collegiate Lacrosse Association playoffs.

The Lindenwood contest will take place tonight at 7 p.m. at the RB Turf field. Tickets are available at the game.