TACOMA, WASH. --- The Pacific Lutheran Women's Soccer team took on the Pacific University Boxers on East Field on Saturday, as the Lutes took one step closer to a conference title, beating the Boxers 3-0.
 
In a tale of two halves, the Lutes offense controlled the time of possession statistic in the first half, with an array of shot attempts in the 28^th minute, but none could get past the Boxers keeper who came in in the 18^th minute following an injury to the starting keeper. The Lutes took nine shots in the opening half, with four being saved by the Boxers reserve keeper. The PLU defense showed their strength on Saturday, holding the Boxers to just one shot through the first 45 minutes.
 
With some offensive adjustments at the half, the Lutes began the second half with continued offensive pressure, but this time junior forward Hannah Cecil was able to beat the keeper in the first minute of the half. Senior forward Alyssa Leong, who is top-25 in the nation in Assists, was credited with another assist in Cecil's score to put the Lutes up 1-0.
 
With one goal on the board, the Lutes continued to attempt to grow their lead. Forwards Cecil, Leong, and junior Julia Cuasbie fired shots in the first 15 minutes of the half, but none found the target. PLU maintained possession for the large majority of the half, leading to no shortage of offensive attempts from Olivia Boehm, Cecil, Sawyer Anderson, Lily Dose, and Kayden Hulquist. The Boxers goalkeeper made save after save to neutralize the Lutes pressure.
 
But in the 78^th minute, Cecil found the back of the net once again following a cross from freshman Zoe Markquart, extending the Lutes lead to two scores.
 
Markquart scored a goal of her own just minutes later following a pass from Cecil. Markquarts goal in the 80^th minute put the Lutes up 3-0.
 
With a three-goal lead, the Lutes reserves let up just one shot in the second half, coming in the 84^th minute that was saved by sophomore goalkeeper Abby Winkler.
 
"Credit to Pacific, they made it very difficult in the first half, they defended really well. I'm very proud of our team. We made some second-half adjustments and they were very coachable. I am delighted with the teams performance as we had a great number of shots and corner attempts. It's always great to take the next step, and tomorrow is seen as a really big and important day in our program. We are excited to honor our 12 seniors. Looking forward to getting back after it tomorrow. Go Lutes!" said Head Coach Seth Spidahl following the win.
 
The Lutes dominated in the box score as well with 26 total shots and 13 shots on goal. The two shots taken by the Boxers were also on goal and lead to saves for Winkler. With five corner kicks a half, the Lutes held a 10-0 difference in corner kicks attempts as well.
 
The Lutes will look to secure their seventh consecutive Northwest Conference title tomorrow and celebrate their seniors at home against the Lewis & Clark Pioneers at 12 p.m.
 
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