Setting the Stage: Loggers are on the mind this weekend with five Pacific Lutheran University programs taking on crosstown nemesis University of Puget Sound. Men's and women's basketball continue their seasons with the short road trip north while volleyball, women's soccer, and football open their seasons against the local rival. Meanwhile men's soccer will be the fourth program making their season debut with a non-league tilt against Warner Pacific University on Friday.

On Tap:
FRIDAY
WBB at Puget Sound at 5:30 p.m. (Video)(Live Stats)
VB hosts Puget Sound at 6 p.m. (Video)(Live Stats)
MSOC hosts Warner Pacific at 6:30 p.m. (Video)(Live Stats)
MBB at Puget Sound at 8 p.m. (Video)(Live Stats)
SATURDAY
WSOC hosts Puget Sound at 11 a.m. (Video)(Live Stats)
FB at Puget Sound at 12 p.m. (Video)(Live Stats)
WBB at Puget Sound at 5:30 p.m. (Video)(Live Stats)
VB hosts Puget Sound at 6 p.m. (Video)(Live Stats)
MBB at Puget Sound at 8 p.m. (Video)(Live Stats)
SUNDAY
WSOC hosts Puget Sound at 11 a.m. (Video)(Live Stats)

Welcome to Luteville: This week the athletic department was excited to announce the return of Paul Koessler. A 1986 PLU graduate and a tennis All-American in 1985, Koessler was named the PLU men's tennis coach. He previously coached at Timberline High School in Boise, Idaho, leading the Wolves to three IHSA Girls State Titles. Learn more about Koessler: LINK

Women's Basketball: The Lutes (0-3, 0-3 NWC) trekked to Spokane last weekend, coming up short, 78-76 to host Whitworth University on Friday night. Emma Janousek highlighted the night for the Lutes, finishing with 23 points, seven assists, and six rebounds while Toni Thibert added 17 points. The Lutes had the ball with four seconds left but were unable to have a basket fall at the buzzer in the two-point setback.

Volleyball: PLU (17-11, 10-6 NWC in 2019) open the lid on its 12-match season on Friday, hosting the Loggers inside Olson Gymnasium. The Lutes hit the court with plenty of returning experience, including NWC Freshman of the Year Halle Hetzler. Learn more about the 2021 Lutes in their season preview: LINK

Home Sweet Home: The Lutes have been unstoppable at home under the direction of Head Coach Kevin Aoki. Aoki's Lutes have won 51 of their last 59 games inside Olson Gymnasium, including undefeated seasons at home in 2018, 2014, and 2013.

Men's Soccer: The three-time defending NWC Champion Lutes are back on the pitch on Friday night with an impromptu non-conference clash against Warner Pacific University. Last season PLU finished with a 14-5-2 overall record and an 11-1-2 mark in NWC play, including playing in the NCAA Division III Tournament.

The Lutes return Second Team All-NWC selections Ryan Griffith and Keeton Heggerness in addition to Honorable Mention All-NWC honoree Rainier Schlekewey.

Men's Basketball: Pacific Lutheran (2-0, 2-0 NWC) had last weekend off. The Lutes opened the season back on Jan. 22, taking down Whitman College 76-68. The Lutes replicated the feat the following day with a 72-65 win. Averaging 18.0 points per game, Seth Hall is the squad's leading scorer while also leading the team on the glass (7.0 rebounds per game). Jordan Thomas averages 14.0 ppg and 3.5 assists per game while Sam Noland came off the bench both nights and averages 11.0 ppg.

Milestone Watch: Head Coach Chad Murray sits one win away from 100 for his career. That includes 28 wins as the head man at PLU for the past four seasons and 71 victories at his previous stop at Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa.

Football: PLU returns to the gridiron on the natural grass at Baker Stadium against host Puget Sound. The Lutes return First Team All-NWC rusher Cody Brown who racked up 577 yards on the ground along with a trio of receivers who combined for 1,370 yards. Defensively, two All-Conference selections return in defensive end Tristan Thomas and safety Chase Rhinelander. Learn more about the 2021 Lutes in their season preview: LINK

Extra Credit: For even more on the Lute gridiron squad, check out the Associated Press article on the Lutes' spring football preparations: LINK

Women's Soccer: The four-time defending NWC Champion Lutes (16-3-2, 14-1-1 NWC) begin the season with a pair of showdowns against Puget Sound at East Field. Virtually unbeatable at home, the Lutes boast a mind boggling 40-2-6 record on the turf at East Field since the 2015 season. Learn more about the 2021 Lutes in their season preview: LINK


From the Pool: Men's and women's swimming has a scheduled weekend off after competing last week in Spokane against Whitworth. The women breezed to a 142-100 dual meet win behind four event wins from NWC Swimmer of the Week Malia Wisham. On the men;s side, Carson Braddoch won the 100-yard freestyle relay (51.08) but it wasn't enough as the Lutes came up short, 143.5-83.5. Both squads compete next weekend (Feb. 13) at Whitman College.

National Girls and Women in Sport Day: Wednesday marked the 35th annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day, a national observance celebrating the extraordinary achievements of women and girls in sports. Learn more about how sports have positively impacted the lives of our female student-athletes. LINK

LanceLute's Cutout Kingdom: With COVID-19 restrictions not allowing any fans to attend in person, joining the LanceLute Cutout KIngdom is the only way to be a part of the gameday atmosphere in 2021. The life sized cardboard cutouts are $50 and will attend home events throughout the academic year. Cutout Kingdom participants will be featured on all home broadcasts in 2021 with a cutout fan of the game selected on every broadcast. To join the kingdom visit GoLutes.com/cutout.

Fan Attendance Policy: In accordance with the NWC Return to Play plan, no spectators will be allowed at home or away contests during the 2020-2021 academic year. LINK