FOREST GROVE, Ore. --- The Pacific Lutheran University Women's Soccer team (6-1-3, 6-0-1 NWC) earned their fifth-straight Northwest Conference win on Sunday, defeating the Pacific Boxers (1-7-3, 1-5-1 NWC) on the road, 2-0.
 
The Lutes carried their goal-scoring momentum form Saturday's 4-1 win over George Fox as senior forward Hannah Cecil took the opening shot in the 3^rd minute, but was saved by the Boxers keeper. Three straight PLU corner kicks opened the door for sophomore defender Lyla Merte to get her first goal of the season ten minutes into the game. Causbie's pass to Merte put the Lutes up 1-0 early in the contest.
 
The shots continued early and often, as Jaden Saucelo, Lily Dose, Cecil, and Causbie each fired shots on the Boxers, with Dose's bonding out off of the right post. Pacific's first and only attempt of the opening half didn't come until the 23^rd minute, but missed the target. Merte's early goal carried the Lutes to a 1-0 halftime lead.
 
Just 84-seconds into the final half, senior Lily Dose got revenge on her earlier shot that hit the post; this time beating the Boxers goalkeeper to extend the lead to 2-0. The final 44-minutes of the game were scoreless for both squads, as the Lutes took 11 shots to the Boxers two. The Boxers final attempt came with 11-second left in the half, but bounced off of the cross bar. PLU cruised to a 2-0 win over Pacific to remain undefeated in Northwest Conference play.
 
It was all Lutes, all the time, in Sunday's contest. PLU's offense fired 23 total shots with nine on-target, meanwhile the Boxers were held to just three shots and one on-goal. Leaving junior goalkeeper Abby Winkler with just one save opportunity en route to the shutout. Cecil accounted for seven shots, but only two were on frame as the senior couldn't find the back of the net on Sunday. Casubie took three shots each as the duo handled the Lutes scoring.

"We played some really good football today, created a lot of great shots, great chances, and I'm really proud of how the team imposed their identity on the game. Our attacking soccer this weekend was the best it's been. It was great to see Lyla Merte and Lily Dose get their first goals of the season. It's always awesome to see the players who have been playing really well, get rewarded with a goal." Said Head Coach Seth Spidahl following the shutout victory. 

"I'm really happy with how we played. We didn't score as many as we probably could have with the chances we had, but credit to Pacific, they fought hard and defended well; their keeper made some great saves. Our attacking process was really good today, I'm proud of the team in our first Sunday game on the road. We need to rest and recover for a big next weekend, as we take on a couple of teams in the top-half of the conference. Those teams are always tough and well-coached. Excited to get back home next weekend and play in front of our fans. Go Lutes!"
 
The Lutes return back to Luteville to prepare for next weekend's home series against Whitman and Whitworth at 2:45 p.m. on East Field.
 
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