TACOMA, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University women's basketball team begins the regular season by hosting Trinity University on Friday in Olson Gymnasium.
 
Last week the Lutes fell to Division II Saint Martin's University, 63-71, in an exhibition game in Lacey, Washington. The Lutes have been working hard this offseason to prepare for the new season ahead.
 
"The student-athletes returned to the court in great shape, healthy, and eager to start the new season," said head coach Jennifer Childress. "It was obvious to our coaching staff that our players worked hard over the summer. Our first few weeks of practice have shown a level of competitiveness that we haven't seen in the past. Our new Lutes are very skilled, and they have caught on quickly with what we are asking of them. The majority of our group are returners, thus allowing us to hit the floor running in a sense."
 
The team is definitely looking to build upon last season, with a clear set of goals identified.
 
"Improvement from last year is the most important goal. We have a senior class that has seen everything any team can throw at us. Our team is confident and excited for the opportunities that lie ahead. As always, our conference is stacked with talent and teams that routinely compete in the post-season tourney. We look to embrace the challenge and upset some of those teams."
 
Not only does the team have these goals set for the season, but they are all on the same page, building a strong team chemistry together.
 
"We are a family. Our staff feels extremely blessed to work with this group who genuinely appreciate and respect one another. As adversity of the season's grind shows itself, I'm confident we will overcome!"
 
Heading into the first home game of the season is always a challenge, but the team is prepared for the challenge.
 
"We expect a fast paced, physical game...being our season home opener, I would anticipate some jitters, but once we get into the thick of the action, we will be playing to win."
 
The team will take the court as they host Trinity University on Friday at 4 p.m. inside Olson Gymnasium. 
 
Nov. 16: PLU vs. Trinity inside Olson Gymnasium (4 p.m.)
 
Series History: This will be just the third all-time meeting between the Lutes and Tigers with the all-time series tied at 1-1. The squads last met during the 2016-2017 season at the PLU Holiday Tournament with the Tigers coming away with the 81-62 win. 
 
About the Tigers: Trinity (1-0) already has a win under its belt, opening the season with a 91-73 victory over Concordia University (Texas). Hailey Coleman was the Tigers' top scorer, netting 24 points and seven rebounds, shooting 11-for-15 from the field. 
 
Three other Tigers finished in double figures, including Kelly Simmons who came off the bench and scored 12 in just 14 minutes of action. 
 
Last season the Tigers (23-5, 13-1 SCAC in 2017-18) were Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Tournament Champions before falling 79-70 to University of Texas-Dallas in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.