TACOMA, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University women's soccer team began its Northwest Conference season with a rare home setback, falling 1-0 on Saturday to Whitworth University at East Field.

The game was PLU's first home defeat since the 2015 season, snapping a 20-0-2 run on the artificial turf.

The Lutes (1-2-2, 0-1 NWC) started out the first half with even play against the Pirates (3-1-1, 1-0 NWC). Both teams maintaining possession well and finding shots on goals on both sides. The first half showed four shots for Whitworth and five shots for PLU as neither side was able to score after 45 minutes of play.

The second half started well for the Lutes until in the 69th minute a corner kick and scramble in the box allowed in the first goal of the game from the Pirates' Hannah Rae Miller.

A hard fought battle of a game ended almost even statistically with the Pirates outshooting PLu by a slim 9-7 margin.

Goalkeeper Natalie Robinson played all 90 minutes in goal making a total of five saves for the Lutes.

"We've been challenged by other teams in preseason, so today wasn't anything new. Outcomes are difficult because in sports you aren't always going to get the one you hope for. Regardless today showed a lot of positives for our team  but our next step is tomorrow that's what's in front of us and that's where our focus and energy are now," said Robinson.

"With regard for the season, we all have work to put in. We want to keep improving and that involves all of us giving one percent more in training, weights, film, and games. Growing as a team is our priority."

"Looking ahead, the NWC is not won or lost in one game, it is going to be a very tight conference race," said Head Coach Seth Spidahl. "We need to bring the competitive focus and energize our spirit."

They Lutes return to East field tomorrow for their second conference game facing the Whitman College at noon.