TACOMA, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University women's basketball team erased an 18-point deficit but was unable to hang on down the stretch on Tuesday night, falling 83-71 to crosstown nemesis University of Puget Sound in a Northwest Conference clash inside Olson Gymnasium.

The volatile contest, the second leg of the annual Battle of South Sound, featured eight lead changes including four in the opening two minutes of play. The Loggers (14-3, 7-2 NWC) set the tone early draining six of their first eight shots from beyond the arc, racing out to a 25-10 advantage after 10 minutes of play and enjoying a 28-10 lead early in the second quarter. The Lutes (11-6, 4-5 NWC) kept their composure, cutting the deficit to 10 on a pair of Hailey Marsh free throws and trailed 39-27 at the halftime break.

Pacific Lutheran came alive in the third quarter, scoring the opening three baskets of the half and utilizing a 15-2 run to seize a four-point lead on a pair of Alexandra Gallaher free throws with 3:59 left in the third. Puget Sound would counter, reclaiming the lead for good on a jumper with 2:14 remaining in the third before pulling away in the fourth to hold on for the win.

"We showed great tenacity battling back from the first quarter deficit," said Head Coach Jennifer Childress. "They're a great team and had some tough shots fall in their favor. I think we responded well coming off a tough road trip and fought to the end. I'm very proud of our seniors and the leadership they showed tonight."

Kristin Sturdivan led the Lutes with 17 points while Katie Taylor added 16. Anna Hurd poured on 13 and grabbed six rebounds while Madison Salisbury had nine points and eight rebounds. MacKenzie Cooper dished out six assists while grabbing four boards. 

PLU enjoyed a 32-24 edge in points in the paint while holding a slim shooting advantage, canning 45.5 percent (25-for-55) of its chances while the Loggers hit 42.6 percent (26-for-61) of their opportunities. 

The Lutes close the homestand on Saturday, welcoming Linfield College to Olson Gymnasium for a 4 p.m. tipoff.