TACOMA, Wash. — The Pacific Lutheran University women's lacrosse team turned in a dominant defensive second half, holding the University of Puget Sound to just one goal after halftime to secure an 11-7 victory over its crosstown rival Wednesday evening.

PLU improved to 3-8 overall and 1-2 in Northwest Conference play. Puget Sound fell to 4-7 overall and 0-3 in conference action. The win marks the Lutes' first victory over the Loggers in program history and moves them into seventh place in the NWC standings.

"I am so proud of them," head coach Melanie Rizzotti said. "The team played together, and it was a complete team win. We played defense as a unit, anticipated slides and made in-game adjustments. Tonight was a total team effort. Gracie, Taylee and Paige were so connected off the draw. Peyton, Kathleen, Emily and Ella were forces in the midfield that changed the game for us. Kassie was composed in goal and patient on her clears."

Puget Sound opened the scoring, but Gracie Cecka and Issabella Marchio quickly responded with back-to-back goals to give PLU a 2-1 lead. The Loggers answered late in the first quarter, scoring twice to take a 3-2 advantage.

Both teams traded goals throughout the second quarter, with Paige Hackman and Taylee Alldredge finding the net for the Lutes. Puget Sound carried a 6-4 lead into halftime.

PLU's defense took over in the second half, allowing just one goal while the offense capitalized on extra man opportunities. The Lutes scored three man-up goals after the break and had six different players find the back of the net.

Hackman recorded her first career hat trick with three goals. Marchio finished with three points on two goals and one assist, while Peyton Terhar and Alldredge each added two goals. Cecka and Emily Mejia rounded out the scoring with one goal apiece.

Kassie Diller earned the win in cage, playing all 60 minutes and recording six saves.

Pacific Lutheran returns to action Saturday, April 11, at 1 p.m. against Lewis & Clark College.