REDLANDS, Calif. - The Pacific Lutheran University women's basketball team got off to a fast start but ultimately couldn't keep pace with host University of Redlands on Saturday, falling 68-65 in a matchup of unbeatens inside Currier Gymnasium.

The first quarter was tied 12-12 before the  Lutes (2-1) scored the final six points of the period, enjoying an 18-12 advantage after 10 minutes of play. A Hailey Marsh trey with 5:24 left before halftime extended the PLU advantage to 12-points at 28-16, but the host Bulldogs (3-0) held the Lutes scoreless the rest of the frame, pulling within two with a three-pointer with 30 seconds left as PLU held a tenuous 28-26 halftime advantage.

The third period saw Pacific Lutheran push ahead 34-28 on a pair of Madison Salisbury free throws with 6:27 remaining but Redlands scored 15 of the next 17, staking a 43-36 lead heading into the final quarter of play.

The Bulldogs ballooned their advantage to nine early in the fourth but the Lutes fought back, pulling within a single point with 6:45 remaining on a Emma Janousek jumper. Redlands kept the Lutes at bay the rest of the way, hitting their final seven free throws of the night to survive with the three-point win.

"Props to Redlands who played with a lot of energy," said Head Coach Jennifer Childress. "We got caught up trying to play their style and didn't slow down to execute our offense in the half court."

Salisbury led the Lutes with 19 points and nine rebounds while Katie Taylor and Janousek both added 15 points. Janousek hauled in seven rebounds while Toni Thibert had six boards, three assists, and three steals.

PLU shot a red-hot 58.3 percent (seven-for-12) in the opening quarter but cooled off the rest of the game, finishing at a 33.9 percent clip (21-for-62).

"This is a great game to go back and learn from for sure and we look to bounce back tomorrow. The good thing about pre-conference is we grow from each and every game."

PLU finishes off its California trip tomorrow afternoon, facing Occidental College at 2 p.m.