TACOMA, Wash. — In the Northwest Conference opener on Saturday at East Field, Pacific Lutheran University women's soccer controlled the second half to lock in the win against visiting Pacific University 2-0.
The Lutes broke through in the 18th minute when
Elayna Blodgett scored her second goal of the season, finishing off an assist from
Abby Manolovitz to give PLU an early 1-0 advantage. The Lutes carried that lead into halftime, despite the Boxers taking three shots on goal in the opening 45 minutes.Â
PLU doubled its advantage in the 75th minute.
Keara Saks found Manolovitz, who buried her first goal of the season to make it 2-0. The goal capped a productive day for Manolovitz, who finished with a goal and an assist.Â
Mia Speir made two saves to preserve the shutout, while PLU's defense kept the Boxers off the scoresheet throughout the second half as the Lutes secured their first conference win of the season.Â
"Credit to Pacific. They are hard for us to play against, very well coached, very good system," said Head Coach
Seth Spidahl.
"We did something that our group last year couldn't do, which is find a way to beat Pacific. So, I'm proud of the group for finding a way."
The victory moves Pacific Lutheran to 3-1-1 overall and 1-0 in NWC play, while Pacific falls to 4-2 overall and 2-1 in conference action.Â
"[This was] a good first step in conference play. We want to finish up solid at home tomorrow against George Fox, and I look forward to next week. Go Lutes!"
PLU returns to action tomorrow against George Fox University at 2:45 p.m. as conference play continues.
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