TACOMA, Wash. – If you've spent much time around the Pacific Lutheran women's soccer program, then you have probably heard their catchphrase: Defense is the foundation of our house.

That defense showed out yet again Sunday as the Lutes defeated Linfield 3-0 at East Field in a Northwest Conference match.

The Lutes (5-0-1 overall, 2-0-0 NWC) stifled the Wildcats (2-3-1, 0-2-0) so completely, that Linfield had just two shots and no corner kicks.

"We try to keep the ball in their half and keep it out of our defensive half as much as possible," star defender Joelle Buck said. "When Shay (Cesar) can sit back there – and we use her when we need her – that is the best thing we can do."

Cesar made two saves on the afternoon and has only allowed one goal in six games this season and that was on a golazo Saturday.

"We are kind of in a new system right now, me included," PLU coach Seth Spidahl said. "I've never really gone through a season with this system – and I'm not saying that it will be this way forever – but right now the girls are doing a great job of learning and it is exciting."

While the defense was doing its usual dominating, the Lutes received goals from three different players.

Alyssa Leong opened the scoring off an assist by Lily Dose, which sprung her for a free run down the right side in the 23^rd minute. It was Leong's second goal of the season.

Simon Luedtke of the Lutes Sports Network catches up with @PLU_WSoc midfielder Lily Dose after her team shut out Linfield 3-0 on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/ejlPM0K0px

— PLU Athletics (@golutes) September 18, 2022

The game remained 1-0 through halftime when Hannah Cecil hit a rocket into the upper third off an assist by Ashlee Gormley in the 54^th minute. The reigning conference freshman of the year has three goals this season.

Jami Hughes capped off the scoring in the 81^st minute, recording her first of the season on an assist by Ellie Reardon off of a corner kick.

"(The new system) helps make us a good attacking team," Spidahl said, "but obviously we can't lose our defensive stability. That is always what we are looking at and addressing and they have done a great job so far with every challenge that comes their way. They are defending well."

The Lutes remain unbeaten on the season and capped a perfect start to Northwest Conference play as they begin the campaign for a sixth consecutive NWC title.

"It is super important," Buck said of the opening wins. "This is the first step in our road to the (national) tournament."

The Lutes have just two days off and then host cross-town rival Puget Sound at 4 p.m. Wednesday at East Field.