Written by Student Assistant Jake Bilyeu

TACOMA, Wash. – The Pacific Lutheran University women's basketball team wrapped up the Doug McArthur Classic on Saturday, ending up on the wrong side of a 65-45 decision against Division II Saint Martin's University. The Lutes struggled to keep the Saints off the offensive glass, but showed improvements in all other aspects of their game as they prepare for their home opener this Wednesday against Northwest Indian College.

PLU (0-2) came out swinging in the opening quarter with a Hailey Marsh three-pointer giving the Lutes the 13-11 lead with 2:37 left in the period. The Lutes trailed by just three after one quarter of play but the Saints (2-2) used a 10-0 run to close the second quarter, enjoying a 31-20 lead at the half. The Lutes closed to within four in the third quarter but the Saints were able to pull away down the stretch to come away with the win.

It was scoring by committee for the Lutes on Saturday. Four Lutes, Mackenzie Cooper, Anna Hurd, Hailey Marsh, and Kate Kraft all led the team with seven points each, and Taylor Fahey followed closely behind with six. Hurd led the Lutes on the glass, hauling in eight rebounds.

Looking ahead, the Lutes will need more precision when shooting outside in order to minimize any potential disadvantage inside. The Lutes hit just four of their 17 attempts (23.5 percent) from beyond the arc.

"We knew coming into this that we would be at a size disadvantage and they would be able to nullify our paint offense," head coach Jennifer Childress said. "Unfortunately, our perimeter shooting couldn't connect, especially in the second quarter. We went away from what was working and hurried our shots."

Still, the Lutes constricting defensive play continued to show strength, especially on the perimeter. The Lutes forced the Saints to commit 14 turnovers, and held them to shoot just three-of-14 from behind the three-point line. Additionally, despite the size disadvantage, the Lutes outscored the Saints 10-8 in second-chance points.

"On the bright side we took care of the ball much better, showed more eagerness on the offensive boards, and continued to play scrappy hustle defense," Childress said.

The Lutes hope to showcase more of their bright side when they play in Olson Gymnasium for the first time this season on Wednesday. Tipoff is slated for 4 p.m.