TACOMA, Wash. - The two-time defending Northwest Conference Champion Pacific Lutheran University women's soccer team is on the road this weekend again, heading to Lewis & Clark College on Saturday and Pacific University on Sunday.
The Lutes (4-2-2, 3-1 NWC), coming off of a positive weekend with two wins on the road have foundations rooted in a strong defense. Head Coach
Seth Spidahl, emphasizes team defense as the necessary foundations for building the house. That showed last weekend as the team proved how strong they can be with shutouts victories against George Fox University (2-0) and Linfield College (1-0).
Junior
Brianna Hunting, who collected NWC Defensive Player of the Week for her performances in the two wins the team fought for, is a strong part of the back line and overall team defense.
"Last weekend being our first road trip our coaches made sure we stuck to our process and focused on one game at a time. Since we play both games over the weekend it was very important to finish out the weekend and not let our win on Saturday influence our perspective for our game on Sunday."
That's exactly what the Lutes did, finishing the weekend having limiting George Fox to a total of five shots with just one on frame and Linfield to eight shots with two on frame.
"We have had a lot of people step up on our team in new roles and they have helped contribute to the team's success." Hunting said. "Each woman on the team is unique and offers a different set of skills to the team, but what we all have in common is our dedication, work ethic, and a desire to constantly improve."
That same dedication, work ethic, and desire to constantly improve is something that is not limited to the field. As a Kinesiology Pre-PT major and an Exercise and Sports Psychology minor, Hunting plans to attend PT school and work towards becoming a certified PT after graduating from PLU.
"I love learning how the human body works. It allows me to interact with people for all age groups and backgrounds while also helping them overcome a challenge they are facing. Also every person is unique so you get to design a rehab program that is the best fit for them. I love the progression of the process and building the relationship with the patient while they are there!"
For the Kennewick, Washington native, soccer is nothing new. Taking an interest in the game since she was four years old, Hunting found something that has only grown throughout her 16 years of playing.
"Soccer is much more than just a sport to me because it has been a part of my life for so long; it has helped shape me into the person I am and taught me crucial life lessons."Hunting said. "Majority of the things that happen on the soccer field can be applied to my life outside of the sport, such as my leadership roles, time management, work ethic, and learning to be selfless."
The Lutes are back in action tomorrow, kicking off at noon against Lewis and Clark and again at noon on Sunday against Pacific ready to take the next step in conference play.
"Away trips are also a great time for all of us to grow closer as a team off the field."Hunting said. "After our wins last weekend we are looking forward to another weekend of conference play and are ready to face our next challenge."
Sept. 29: PLU vs. Lewis & Clark in Portland, Oregon (12 p.m.)
Series History: The Lutes and Pioneers have met 48 times with PLU enjoying a 39-4-5 edge in the all-time series. Last season the Lutes won 1-0 at East Field before playing to a scoreless draw in Portland in the final game of the regular season.
About the Pioneers: Lewis & Clark (3-5-1, 1-4 NWC) snapped a five game skid on Wednesday evening with Caroline Hannes scoring the contest's lone goal on a penalty kick in the 16th minute to down George Fox University 1-0. Prior to the win, L&C had been outscored 5-0 in NWC matches.
Elia Viesturs leads the team in both goals (three) and points (eight) while Megan Sawyer has seen the most reps in goal, making 27 saves with a 0.91 goals against average.
Sept. 30: PLU vs. Pacific in Forest Grove, Oregon (12 p.m.)
Series History: Pacific Lutheran holds a 43-16-10 advantage in the all-time series, including winning the last four matches against the Boxers.
About the Boxers: Pacific (1-7, 1-3 NWC) returns home this weekend looking to snap a two-game slide after falling 4-1 to Whitman College and 1-0 to Whitworth University. The Boxers' lone victory of the season was on Sept. 16, edging Lewis & Clark 1-0.
Emily Thompson is Pacific's top offensive threat, collecting three goals and one assist while Kira Negrete is the only other Boxer to find the back of the net in 2018, owning two goals to her name. In goal, Kali Barber and Saya Brown have each seen significant action. Barber has a team-best 34 saves while Brown owns a team-best 1.33 goals against average.
