TACOMA, Wash. - The three-time defending Northwest Conference Champion Pacific Lutheran University women's soccer team looks for a quality start to conference play as they host Whitworth University and Whitman College this weekend at East Field.
 
The Lutes (2-1-1) last took the field two weeks ago as they traveled to California to take on Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges and University of Redlands. They fell in the first game to CMS 1-0 on a sixth minute goal off a corner, before they bounced back and got the win against Redlands 1-0 thanks to a goal in the first minute of the game.
 
"After the loss against Claremont we had a team meeting to discuss the positive takeaways from the game and then the areas we wanted to grow in and focus on for the game against Redlands," said senior Brianna Hunting. "Having the discussion brought us together as a team to make sure we were on the same page and directed our focus towards what was next instead of focusing on what had already happened."
 
As a senior, Hunting has grown and developed as a player over her years here and has accrued some fun memories along the way.
 
"There are definitely some wins that are included in my favorite memories, but I truly value the time I get to spend with my teammates. Our trips in preseason and away games is my favorite time of the season because it gives us a chance to get to know each other more and create stronger bonds. I can't think of a time when we aren't laughing or singing a song as loud as possible during our travel trips. There is constantly tons of laughter and it is a fun time to connect and grow closer with all the girls on the team!"
 
Hunting is looking forward to her senior year off the field, and working hard towards her degree at PLU.
 
"My major in kinesiology pre-physical therapy with a minor in sport and exercise psychology. I plan on attending graduate school for physical therapy following graduation from PLU. My interest in the field stemmed from an anatomy class in high school and job shadow experience. I was drawn to physical therapy because it is an occupation that has patient interaction where you get to help individuals return to activities that bring them happiness, while also providing them with support and encouragement along their journey."
 
Outside of soccer and academics, Hunting has many activities that she enjoys and keeps her busy.
 
"I enjoy running, strength training, and hiking because they are active activities that provide an escape from stressful situations. I also enjoy being a part of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and connecting through faith with other athletes on campus."
 
Another thing that Hunting is excited for this year is the chemistry and bonds that all the women on the team have made this year.
 
"One of the senior class's goals was to have a connected team, which meant making sure our first years felt accepted and included in the team. My coaches and teammates take pride in our positive culture, so we work every season to protect the environment that has been created. (Head Coach) Seth Spidahl worked to organize team activities for this preseason that allowed us to open up and connect on deeper levels, which ultimately has made our team chemistry very strong."
 
The strength of the team is a very encouraging sign for this Lutes team this season, which should help the team in its pursuit for another NWC title.
 
"We have a good freshman class that came in that has given us some depth to our team which is really exciting. Also, a lot of players have stepped up to fill different positions, so I am excited to see us continue to grow and learn from each practice to be prepared for weekend play."
 
Hunting and the Lutes will begin conference play hosting Whitworth University on Saturday at 12 p.m. and Whitman College on Sunday at 12 p.m. 
 
"Each weekend is a new weekend with new opponents, but we are excited to defend our home field and to build off of our preseason foundation."
 
Sept. 21: PLU vs. Whitworth at East Field (12 p.m.)
 
Series History: The Lutes and Pirates have clashed 56 times on the pitch with PLU trailing the all-time series 29-21-6. The two teams split the series last fall with Whitworth winning 1-0 in Tacoma while the Lutes claimed the 2-0 win in Spokane. 
 
About the Pirates: Whitworth (1-3) earned a 1-0 overtime victory over Hamline in the season opener but it's been tough sledding since, dropping its last three matches. The Pirates fell 2-1 to North Central College before getting shutout by California Lutheran University (3-0) and Occidental College (1-0) in southern California. 
 
Isabelle Arends has been the Pirates' primary goalkeeper, logging 15 saves and a 1.26 goals against average.
 
Sept. 22: PLU vs. Whitman at East Field (12 p.m.)
 
Series History: The all-time series is tilted 47-16-7 in favor of the Lutes, having won the last four games against the Blues. PLU prevailed 3-0 last season at East Field and 2-0 in Walla Walla.
 
About the Blues: Whitman (0-3) heads into the weekend in search of its first win of the season. The Blues opened the season in Spokane, falling 3-0 to North Central and 2-1 to Hamline University before being unseated 2-1 by Columbia Basin College in the squad's home opener on Sept. 7.