TACOMA, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University women's basketball team is heading to Rincon, Puerto Rico for the Porta Del Sol Shootout to close out the non-conference portion of its schedule. The Lutes will face the InterAmerican University of Puerto Rico on Thursday and the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez on Friday.

The Lutes (6-2, 1-1 Northwest Conference) head to Puerto Rico on a five-game winning streak. As hosts, the Lutes won both of their games last weekend at the fifth-annual Pacific Northwest Tournament. The Lutes beat the California Institute of Technology by a score of 89-56. Sophomore Madison Salisbury picked up a double-double gathering 12 rebounds and scoring 22. Freshmen Katie Taylor was hot from behind the arc, knocking down five three-pointers against the Beavers. The Lutes thrashed Nichols College 92-39 in the second game of the weekend, scoring the opening 29 points of the game. Senior Kristin Sturdivan picked up a double-double collecting 10 rebounds and 14 points. Madison Salisbury won the honor of Tournament MVP at the Pacific Northwest Tournament while Emma Janousek was named to the All-Tournament Team. 

The Lutes have big plans for Puerto Rico.

"As a team we are so excited to spend time together in the sun!!" said Sturdivan. "We have a trip planned to do some hiking, and we also are getting a paddle board lesson! Later in the week we are going to do some humanitarian and community work as a way to give back to others! Basketball games are coming up, and we are so excited to play somewhere new, and play teams we have never been challenged with before. We hope to spread some PLU spirit!!"

As a senior, Sturdivan is one of the leaders of this team. "Being a senior is fun, and it comes with a lot of responsibility. I try to be a role model both on and off the court, and continue relationships made with the women, and coaches from the last four years!! It is so rewarding to see how our team has progressed and changed in ability, talent, and character!"

During basketball season, the teams schedule is packed between traveling, games, and other team events. "Off days" can be hard to come by, but we asked Sturdivan what one of those days might include for her.

"Outside of basketball I love to ride my horse, and also help people with special needs learn how to ride and communicate with horses! Being in the outdoors is so rewarding, and I like to show others that learning, communicating, listening, and teaching ,come in many different forms which horses offer! Horses build relationships without judgment, and showing kids with disabilities the connection to a horse is a huge part of my life."

Tip-off will be at 1 p.m. on Thursday against the InterAmerican University of Puerto Rico. On Friday, the matchup against the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez will also begin at 1 p. m.

Perhaps Sturdivan said it best, the team is looking to "spread some PLU spirit" in Puerto Rico.