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TACOMA, Wash. - The short-staffed Pacific Lutheran University women's basketball team led Trinity University at the end of the opening quarter but was unable to hang on down the stretch against the nation's 22nd ranked team, closing out the Pacific Northwest Holiday Tournament inside Olson Gymnasium on Sunday with a 75-40 setback.

The Lutes (5-4) conceded an opening three but gradually chipped away at the Tigers (5-2), tying the game at nine on a Holly Flynn three with 4:50 left in the opening half before taking the lead the following possession on a jumper from Flynn. The game would remain a one possession contest the rest of the quarter with PLU enjoying a 17-15 advantage after 10 minutes of play thanks to a Jorie Lambert layup with 36 seconds left in the opening stanza.

PLU's advantage would dissipate in the second quarter with the Tigers utilizing an 11-0 run to take a 13-point advantage, enjoying a 33-20 edge at the halftime intermission. 

The Lutes took the court on Sunday without the services of three starters, including two of the top three scorers on the season. 

Holly Flynn led the Lutes with 11 points while also grabbing seven rebounds. Toni Thibert tallied All-Tournament laurels, finishing Sunday with eight points and seven boards while Jorie Lambert tallied seven points and 10 rebounds. 

PLU held a 52-50 rebounding advantage in the contest, including a 22-18 edge on the offensive end but shot just 21 percent (13-for-62) from the field. 

The Lutes return to action on Jan. 3, facing Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington.