PORTLAND, Ore. – The Pacific Lutheran women's soccer team changed formations this season and it has led to a lot more goals for the Lutes.

On Sunday, though, the Lutes went back to their roots and played lockdown defense to earn a 0-0 draw at Lewis & Clark in Northwest Conference action to earn their sixth consecutive conference title.

"(Coach) always preaches that defense is the foundation of the house and we take great pride in that," senior Ellie Reardon said. "Honestly, we've been working so hard and today we just held it in there and do what we do best."

Reardon has been an anchor on the defense her entire career with the Lutes and will be making yet another trip to the NCAA Division III national tournament next weekend at a time and date to be determined.

"We have fought all year and having so many games rescheduled … mentally it takes a lot out of us," Reardon said, "but we fought hard and we fought through it.

"I'm really proud we were able to come out with the title."

The Lutes (16-1-3 overall, 12-1-2 NWC) needed either a tie or a win to guarantee their title Sunday as Puget Sound came into the day three points back in the standings. The Loggers ended up winning Sunday, but it didn't matter because the Lutes took care of business.

"I'm proud of our team today," PLU coach Seth Spidahl said. "It was a very physical game. Lewis & Clark played really, really hard. We're built more to be a soccer team with speed and skill, but I'm proud of the way the team stepped up and battled."

The Lutes leading goal scorer, Hannah Cecil, went out with an injury very early in the second half. Despite her being out, the Lutes had chances and played well enough to get the result that was needed.

Shaylin Cesar earned the win, making five saves in goal.

"We've had a tough couple of weeks and we've taken everyone's best shot this year," Spidahl said. "I'm proud of them. When you are the hunted and the target, you get everybody's best shot. The kids absorbed it and overcame that."

The Lutes will host a watch party that is open to the public at 11 a.m. Monday

at Olson Gymnasium.

"I want to say thanks to my staff. They did an amazing job," Spidahl said. "I'm very blessed to have great coaches in my ear. They helped me make really good in game adjustments all season long. Shoutout to them."

One adjustment Spidahl didn't need to make, though, was convincing his team the importance of defense.

Which the Lutes showed yet again on Sunday.