TACOMA, Wash. – Battling an archrival, brutal weather conditions, and over a year's worth of rust, the Pacific Lutheran University women's soccer team suffered a tough 1-0 defeat at the hands of the University of Puget Sound on Saturday afternoon at East Field.
 
A defensive struggle throughout, the Lute defense held the Loggers to just two shots for the entire match, while registering 10 of their own.  PLU had some opportunities in the first 45 minutes and dominated possession.  Ellie Johnson put a header on goal in the 14^th minute and Alyssa Leong was 1-on-1 with UPS keeper Chaylea Tome, but was denied.  The Lutes defense meanwhile held their rivals without a shot in the first half. 
 
Kylee Roath eventually broke the scoring in the 80^th minute when she headed in a loose corner kick from Tess Carden that glanced off Lute keeper Ashton Huppert's outstretched arms and slowly rolled past the goal line.
 
Ellie Johnson put a shot on goal late for the Lutes finally opportunity, and Alyssa Jordan fired two blasts, but was off the mark. 
 
The Lutes forced Tome to make four saves to earn the victory and Huppert saved UPS' other shot. 
 
PLU will look to split the weekend series tomorrow when both teams square off again at East Field at 11:00 a.m.