TACOMA, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University women's soccer team will look to ride its momentum coming off a weekend sweep to open Northwest Conference play as the Lutes travel to Oregon to take on Lewis & Clark College and Pacific University.
 


The Lutes (4-1-1, 2-0 NWC) began their Northwest Conference slate this past weekend as they defeated Whitworth University 4-0 on Saturday, and Whitman 2-0 on Sunday. The weekend was capped by first-year Meghan Michels scoring three goals for the team over the two games, with Leah Magee, Kari Mills, and Ashlee Gormley also finding the scoresheet. Defeating these two teams was a huge accomplishment for the team, and a sign of things to come for the remainder of the season.
 
"The team really came together this weekend to get two solid teams in Whitworth and Whitman," said first-year Meghan Michels. "We have been working really hard in practice to develop a rhythm while playing at a high tempo. We also took the time to not only watch ourselves but the opponent as well to be as prepared as possible."
 
Michels is definitely finding her feet with her new team, adding value on the scoresheet and transitioning well into collegiate athletics.
 
"It felt great to help the team this weekend, any way that I could. Throughout pre-season I have not felt myself on the field and it felt very liberating to finally break out of my shell and show what I am capable of. I am also so thankful and proud of my team for pushing me, I couldn't have done it without them!"
 
Michels was named the NWC Offensive Player of the Week on Monday for her three-goal weekend while Brianna Hunting was named NWC Defensive Player of the Week for her part in the Lute defense collecting a pair of shutouts. 
 
"Although the first few weeks were a difficult transition, as I am a bit of a homebody, I have learned so much about myself as a person and an athlete. Having school has also created a structure that has been nice as well, because in pre-season it was just soccer so it's nice to have school in the mix as well."
 
Michels is looking forward to the remainder of the season, as well as continuing her academic career at PLU.
 
"I am a freshman this year and right now I am majoring in Biology, and in the future, I know that I want to work with children in the medical field. My dad is a doctor so I have always been interested in anything medical so I think that's where I am headed!"
 
Outside of soccer and academics, Michels enjoys art, hanging out with friends, and hiking.
 
Michels is also really enjoying the strong bonds and chemistry the team has made into an emphasis coming into this season, with road trips playing a big part of this chemistry.
 
"The chemistry of this team is amazing, everyone is so supportive and we push each other to be the best that we can on and off the field. I think having a supportive team is essential to being successful, and we definitely have that so I'm excited!"
 
"I think being on the road with the team is so fun, it's just another way for everyone to connect. I also think it's a really great way to stay relatable to each other because we all understand each others hardships with school and soccer, and on the road we have lots of time to support each other."
 
Michels and the Lutes will continue conference play this upcoming weekend as they hit the road and travel to Portland to take on Lewis & Clark College on Saturday at 12 p.m. and Forest Grove to face Pacific on Sunday at 12 p.m. 
 
"We are looking forward to continuing this momentum next week in Oregon. This week we are looking forward to working hard on being proactive on the field, and switching the field as much as possible. We want to keep energy high and keep supporting each other as much as possible!"
 
Sept. 28: PLU vs. Lewis & Clark in Portland, Oregon (12 p.m.)
 
Series History: The Lutes have utterly dominated the all-time series, enjoying a 41-4-5 advantage since the series began in 1981. Last year the Lutes defeated the Pios twice by a combined 7-1 scoreline. 
 
About the Pioneers: Lewis & Clark (3-2-1, 2-0 NWC) heads into the weekend having won three of its last four games, including a pair of shutout victories to open conference play. The Pios utilized a 41st minute goal from Courtney Schmidt in a 1-0 win over George Fox while receiving a pair of second half goals in a 2-0 win over Pacific.
 
Lewis & Clark's six goals have been scored by five different players while eight total Pios have tallied a point in 2019. Julia Markmann leads the squad with two goals while Milan Davis has seen the most action at goalkeeper, making five saves with a 1.00 goals against average. 
 
Sept. 29: PLU vs. Pacific in Forest Grove, Oregon (12 p.m.)
 
Series History: The all-time series is tilted 43-16-10 in favor of the Lutes with PLU winning the last four encounters. Last year, the Lutes secured a 3-1 win in Forest Grove and a 4-0 shutout at home at East Field.
 
About the Boxers: Pacific (2-3, 0-2 NWC) looks to snap a two-game slide after getting outscored 6-1 in the opening matches of the conference slate. The Boxers opened league play on the road, stumbling 4-1 to Linfield before getting blanked 2-0 at the hands of Lewis & Clark.
 
Those two matches comes off the heels of a successful non-conference run that saw the Boxers earn victories over both California Institute of Technology (2-1) and Evergreen State College (2-0). 
 
Two of Pacific's five goals have come off the boot of Emma Gusman. Saya Brown has played all 450 minutes in goal this season, logging 31 saves with a 1.80 goals against average.