TACOMA, Wash.—The Pacific Lutheran University women's soccer team defended home turf sealing the game with an early goal from Liv Olson deciding the fate of the Whitworth Pirates 1-0 on Saturday morning. 

The Lutes coming in to today's match were T-1st with University of Puget Sound on top of the Northwest Conference standing with 34 points. PLU improves their overall record to 11-2-6 overall and 11-0-4 NWC play. 

"Super proud of our team today," Head coach Seth Spidahl stated. "We did what we needed to do to win another game. We have an awesome opportunity tomorrow from a competitive perspective and we get to honor 12 amazing people who have contributed to our program. Excited to finish strong!"

The game started with back and forth action with both teams really jostling for an advantage. Liv Olson broke the deadlock in the 9th minute scoring off a breakaway from a well-timed through ball from Olivia Boehm. Olson is the leading goal in the NWC with 10 goals on the season and today's being her fifth game-winner. The No. 1 defense in the NWC with a smothering .37 goals against average proved why throughout the second half facing nine shots and making two saves.

Abby Winkler logged all 90 minutes in goal and finished with seven saves.

PLU returns tomorrow for Senior Day against the Whitman College Blues with kick-off slated for 11 AM.