ST. PAUL, Minn. – It took nearly all of regulation and 20 shots, but Pacific Lutheran's 21st shot attempt found the net with less than six minutes to play as the Lutes opened the 2015 women's soccer season with a 1-0 victory over Concordia College (Minn.).

Sophomore midfielder Taylor Lunde scored her first career goal on her fourth shot attempt of the day, taking a pass from junior forward Kaylie Rozell and sending it past Concordia goalkeeper Elizabeth Bitzan in the 85th minute. Bitzan had previously tallied seven saves as PLU out-shot Concordia 21-to-3 in the match. That included a 14-1 advantage in the second half.

"We had a rough start, but we never gave up," Rozell said. "We worked hard until the end of the game and came out with a 1-0 win. It felt good to get that win; I know my teammates and I are all excited for the season to start."

Reigning Northwest Conference Defensive Player of the Year Takara Mitsui picked up her 11th career shutout to open her junior season. She saved two shots while playing all 90 minutes in goal. Meanwhile forwards Rozell, Emily Hanna and Machaela Graddy all finished with three shots in the match.

"Overall I was really pleased with the way we played, especially the second half," PLU head coach Seth Spidahl said. "We opened our season against an opponent that made the NCAA playoffs last year, and I felt like we found our rhythm, were persistent with our attacks and found the late goal."

Pacific Lutheran opens the year with a win for the third time in the last four seasons and will look to improve to 2-0 Thursday when it takes on St. Thomas (Minn.) at 9 a.m.