TACOMA – Nineteenth-ranked Puget Sound scored early in the first period, and that goal held up as the Loggers defeated Pacific Lutheran 1-0 in the Northwest Conference women's soccer opener for both teams Saturday afternoon at Peyton Field.

The Loggers, who have won 12 consecutive Northwest Conference crowns, improve to 3-1 overall and 1-0 in conference play. PLU falls to 0-1 in the NWC and 2-2-1 overall. The Lutes return home next weekend and are set to host Pacific on Sept. 21 at 12 p.m.

A corner kick by Puget Sound's Jill Shimabuku found its way into the box, where Emma Donckels eventually picked it up and kicked it in for an unassisted goal in the 18th minute of play. That proved to be the only goal of the match for either team, although PLU goalkeeper Takara Mitsui saved nine balls to preserve the one-score contest. Puget Sound finished the match with a 15-3 shot advantage and an 8-2 lead in corner kicks, while Kaylie Rozell picked up the Lutes' lone shot on goal.