TACOMA, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University women's soccer team returns home for one more weekend of non-conference play, welcoming the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and Calvin College to East Field on Friday and Saturday. 

Last weekend the Lutes (0-1-1) traveled to Texas, playing their first two regular season games against tough competition in nationally-ranked Trinity University and Emory University.

"I think our team took a huge step forward. The scores might not show it yet, but every time our team plays together we're becoming a stronger and stronger force," senior Bianca Lindberg said. "Keeping Trinity off the scoreboard was a huge win for the team- we were sharp and cohesive defensively, and connecting well all over the field. We just couldn't find the back of the net."
 
Every year traveling is a significant part of the team's growth and the experiences and confidence they develop. Having the opportunity to travel and play teams that challenge the Lutes physically and mentally is a crucial part of what allows the team to have experiences under their belt that they can bring into Northwest Conference play as PLU searches for its third consecutive league title. 

"Traveling anywhere is always a chance for bonds and relationships to grow within a group,"Lindberg said. "And the stronger our relationships get with each other can only help us achieve more success on the field."
 
Bianca Lindberg has an appreciation for travel aside from soccer. For J-Term last January, she traveled to New Zealand with the kinesiology, Tramping the Tracks of New Zealand course. 

"I think appreciation was huge. I learned to really reflect on moments and how much I could appreciate those experiences," Lindberg said. "It was refreshing to get to know myself without assignments and check boxes and the constant go of being home here."
 
New Zealand was an experience that broadened Lindberg's views on life and ignited a flame in her to do more traveling. 

"I remember looking out at the ocean one time when we were on a hike and was taken back by how huge it was. It was beautiful. It made me reflect on how small I am and how much more is out there, so that helped me enjoy the moments and not dwell on the small things. It challenged me to get out of my comfort zone as much as I possibly can."
 
Asia, Thailand, Australia and Japan are all on Lindberg's list to experience in the future. After graduating from PLU, she hopes to expand on her interest in the medical field. As a kinesiology major, Lindberg hopes to become a Physician Assistant. 

"I love the human body and I'm continually amazed by how much it can do."

Supporting her desire to travel, the Peace Corp or other programs that would allow for the opportunity to see different places all while getting healthcare experiences are also in the plans for Lindberg after graduation.
 
While she's looking forward to graduation and engaging in new experiences, she is looking forward to what this season will bring for the team. The team will be back in action this weekend facing new competitive opponents, Mary Hardin-Baylor on Friday at 5 p.m. and Calvin College on Saturday at 5 p.m. New Zealand, England or Texas, the experience of traveling deepens relationships. 

"Team dinners, hotel breakfasts, or even just riding with each other in our big team van, I was always laughing and enjoying the time spent with my teammates. Texas was a great experience, but we are looking forward to our next step and our next opportunity."
 
Sept. 7: PLU vs. Mary Hardin-Baylor at East Field (5 PM)
 
Series History: The Lutes and Crusaders have met just once on the soccer pitch with visiting PLU prevailing 2-1 back on Sept. 3, 2016. Leah Magee played the role of hero in the contest, scoring her first collegiate goal in double overtime in Abilene, Texas.
 
About the Crusaders: Mary Hardin-Baylor (1-0-1) heads to Tacoma unbeaten, rolling Southwestern 3-0 in the opener before salvaging a 1-1 double overtime draw against Texas Lutheran. 
 
The Cru have had a balanced scoring attack through the first two games with four different players finding the back of the net. Chelsea Graham leads the team in points with three, collecting a goal and an assist on the young season.
 
In goal, Emmy McMaude has seen a majority of the action, collecting three saves with a 0.50 goals against average.
 
Sept. 8: PLU vs. Calvin at East Field (5 PM)
 
Series History: The Lutes and Knights have never met on the soccer pitch.
 
About the Knights: Calvin (2-0) heads into Friday's clash with crosstown Puget Sound undefeated. The Knights opened the season with a decisive 4-1 win over Carthage before besting Milwaukee School of Engineering 1-0 last Saturday.
 
Emily Van Vliet and Mackenna Nesky have been the one-two punch for Calvin, accounting for all five of the team's goals. Van Vliet has three goals on just eight shots this season while Nesky has tallied a pair of scores.
 
In goal, Amy Kliewer has handled all 180 minutes in net, recording three saves and one clean sheet.