TACOMA, Wash. - The four-time defending Northwest Conference Champion Pacific Lutheran University women's soccer team kicks off an abbreviated six-week 2021 spring soccer season this weekend, returning to the pitch after a 448-day hiatus to host crosstown rival University of Puget Sound at East Field.



"We're all excited to get back on the field together and in the competitive environment that we have all longed for," said senior midfielder Kelly Brown.

Last season the Lutes compiled a 16-3-2 record, including a 14-1-1 mark in NWC play earning them top honors and a bid to the NCAA Division III Tournament for the third time in four seasons. PLU's playoff run ended at the hands of Trinity University (Texas) who defeated the Lutes 2-1 in overtime during the opening round of the tournament. The Lutes season was highlighted by a 15-game winning streak, setting a new school record in the process.

The Lutes graduated a stellar senior class from last season which included a scoring machine in Leah Magee who scored eight goals and a rock-solid back line in Bri Hunting and Sarah Burns that helped the Lutes' record 15 shutouts throughout the season.

Returning for the Lutes though is a large senior class with role players in every position. Seniors Cassidy Crosswhite and Ashton Huppert will be in goal for the Lutes, with fellow classmates Emma Hunter and Kelly Brown leading the defensive effort for the Lutes. Crosswhite started 13 of the Lutes' 21 games last season, making 28 saves and boasting a 0.45 goals against average. Huppert handled the remaining eight games, making 13 saves with a 0.13 goals against average.
 
On the offensive side of the field, seniors Tasha Tennyson and Ellie Johnson combined for eight goals last season and will look to pick up the scoring that was left by Magee. Maddie Landreth netted two goals in 2019 along with three assists.

The strong senior class will be looking to apply their experience in the program onto the 12 freshman that will be joining the Lutes for this season. The extra time before the first game has given the Lutes a chance to mesh as a unit and gain confidence in playing with each other.

"We have been here for four years now and have played in many highly competitive games, so by bringing that much experience into training I think it has helped push the newcomers from the start and revealed how strong of a class they are," said Brown.

For four-time NWC Coach of the Year Seth Spidahl, he has no doubt the seniors will provide the necessary leadership during an unusual spring season.

"Our senior class has been fantastic as 'lids' of the team. They are rockstars both on and off the field...they have been great role models and leaders for our entire program since August.  I expect them to give their best each and every training session and game. And to be proud of 'how' they finish up their careers here at PLU."

This year's schedule will be composed of 12 conference games with four each coming against Whitman College, Whitworth University, and UPS. Each weekend series will be two games against the same opponent. With the new look to the schedule this year, Spidahl and the Lutes will have to adjust their tactics.

"We will need to have some larger rotations to keep fresh, and we will have a plan in place for day two which I'm not going to share just yet!  Certainly, there will need to be a different look and some changes to keep the opponent on their toes," said Seth Spidahl.
 
The Lutes will open their schedule at home with two games against crosstown rival University of Puget Sound on February 6th and 7th. Fans will not be able to attend home games but can tune into a livestream and broadcast on golutes.com.