TACOMA, Wash. — Katrina Moran scored a trio of goals in the opening quarter but it wasn't enough to stave off a pesky opponent as the Pacific Lutheran University women's lacrosse team fell short 12-8 to host University of Puget Sound in a non-conference tilt at Peyton Field.

"We saw lots of improvements from game two to game three, showing that we can compete," said Head Coach Melanie Rizzotti. 

"We're building momentum and getting better every day."

Moran needed just 91 seconds to tally the first goal but the host Loggers (2-1) scored the next three, enjoying a two-goal cushion with 6:45 left in the first quarter. Moran scored twice just over two minutes apart to tie the game before Kathleen Swankowski tallied an unassisted goal as the Lutes (1-2) held a 4-3 edge after 15 minutes of play.

Issabella Marchio scored in the first minute of the second quarter off a pass from Moran to make it 5-3 but the Loggers would score the final six goals of the half, taking a 9-5 lead into the break, including scoring two in the final 37 seconds.

Taylee Alldredge scored twice in the second half and assisted on Swankowski's second goal of the day but the Lutes were unable to wrestle the lead away from Puget Sound who scored a player up goal with 2:01 remaining to secure the 12-8 victory.

Kassie Diller made eight saves in goal while leading PLU in ground balls with four on the day. In addition to a goal and an assist, Alldredge had three ground balls and caused four turnovers. 

Saturday's game was a non-conference contest with the two teams squaring off again in a Northwest Conference game on April 9 at PLU's East Field. 

The Lutes are back in action on Tuesday night, hosting California Lutheran University at 7 p.m.