TACOMA, Wash. - After opening Northwest Conference play at home last weekend, the Pacific Lutheran University women's soccer team heads to Oregon this weekend to take on George Fox University and Linfield College. 
 
The Lutes (2-2-2, 1-1 NWC) walked away from last weekend with mixed results, falling 1-0 to Whitworth University before getting a joint effort offensively and putting the gas on hitting the back of the net three times to nab a 3-0 win against Whitman College. 
 
Sophomore Tasha Tennyson had a strong impact offensively scoring two of the goals. 
 
"I was stoked about last weekend's game! I was so proud of our team finally coming together to get the type of win this team deserves,"Tennyson said. "We really showed what this team is all about this past weekend. We've worked so hard this preseason, so to finally get a solid win, with a shutout and multiple goals, it just shows how we can work together as a team to be successful."
 
While the team has a goal of being another great PLU team and defending the Northwest Conference Title, Tennyson has another goal in mind. 
 
"I think a more in depth goal that I would have for the team is for us to really come together. It's hard being on a college team because every year you create relationships on and off the field, and then when next season comes around, a whole class is gone and replaced by pretty much strangers. I think we have already made strides on this goal, but there is always room for growth in relationships and room to create new ones."
 
Tennyson has always been driven by goals. On the field, she proves to be a force offensively with her speed and strength. Pursuing her goal of helping the team achieve the potential and contribute offensively to the team's overall performance. Off the field, she has goals more than a number on a score board. Tennyson strives for relationships, she strives to be involved and pursue her passions. 
 
"I love to sing, I was in choir in high school and miss it like crazy! Being a part of choir is just like being a part of a soccer team, but it is also entirely different in almost every way. I think it is important to have a wide range of friends and activities that you are a part of, and choir was that one thing that brought me out of my comfort zone in entirely different ways than playing on a soccer field."
 
Academically, Tennyson came into PLU with a plan for nursing, however she realized that wasn't the path for her and took time to discover other interests. 
 
"After talking with family and friends, I realized that I have a lot more to offer in other areas of my work and life. It is not set in stone, but for now I am thinking about majoring in business and minoring in computer science. As of now I absolutely love my computer science class."
 
Tennyson can set goals, can pursue them and can achieve them. But she can also stop and figure out how to re-plan when they don't go as planned. A huge part of that is how much she values relationships in her life and how much support the people in her life provide. 
 
"I wouldn't nearly be the person I am today without my friends. The people I have met through PLU have changed my life for the better. I can't imagine what I would do if I didn't have a solid friend group here. It makes everything easier from classes, to complaining about not always wanting to go to practice, to always having someone to run an errand with you. That's my favorite part about this whole experience is the relationships I've already created and the depth I know will be reached in my relationships the remainder of my time here."
 
Tennyson's goal is the present moment, to find what she loves and pursue that with full force. Academics, relationships, or soccer, that passion is always present. 
 
"I love the game. I love playing, I love the rush I get when I'm running down the field for a ball and the euphoria that comes after that one perfect touch in goal. Playing soccer here was the best decision I could've made."
 
Another step with that starts tomorrow when the team kicks off against George Fox in pursuit of another win and another strong performance.
 
Sept. 22: PLU vs. George Fox in Newberg, Ore. (12 p.m.)
 
Series History: The Lutes have dominated the all-time series, holding a 32-15-3 edge in the series, including winning the last 12 encounters. 
 
About the Bruins: George Fox (3-0-1, 1-0-1 NWC) remains unbeaten heading into the second weekend of league play and has yet to concede a goal this season. The Bruins opened NWc play with a 1-0 home win over Pacific University before battling to a scoreless double overtime draw against Linfield. 
 
Three of GFU's five goals has come off the boot of Savannah Moisan while in goal, Annalisa Klein and Kelsey Kammerzell have combined for 13 saves and four clean sheets.  
 
Sept. 23: PLU vs. Linfield in McMinnville, Ore. (12 p.m.)
 
Series History: The Lutes and Wildcats have met on 68 occasions with PLU enjoying a 44-22-2 advantage in the all-time series, including winning the last three matches. 
 
About the Wildcats: Linfield (3-1-2, 0-0-2 NWC) opened the season with three straight wins but has been winless since, including a pair of ties to open conference play. The Wildcats salvaged a 2-2 draw at Willamette University in the NWC opener before playing GFU to a 0-0 stalemate.
 
Lexi Kerr leads the team in both points (seven) and assists (3) while Sydney Kuehn and Amidee Colleknon pace the offense with three goals apiece. Madi Reimer is Linfield's primary netminder, making 18 saves on the season with a 0.77 goals against average.