Pacific Lutheran University Athletics

TACOMA, Wash. — Kami Novotny tallied her first career goal but it wasn't enough on Wednesday afternoon as the Pacific Lutheran University women's soccer team saw its 35 game Northwest Conference unbeaten run come to a close in a 2-1 setback to crosstown rival University of Puget Sound at Baker Stadium.

Wednesday's clash was a battle of reigning Northwest Conference Co-Champions and lived up to the billing with the two sides entering the halftime break tied at 0-0. PLU had arguably the best opportunity of the opening 45 minutes with an Abby Manolovitz shot glancing off the crossbar.

Novotny provided the breakthrough goal in the 57th minute for the Lutes (3-2-2, 1-1-1 NWC), sliding the ball past the keeper but PLU's lead was short lived with Madi Jarzynka equalizing in the 62nd minute. Puget Sound (6-0-1, 3-0 NWC) struck again in the 63rd minute with Anya Dubois providing what proved to be the game winner.
 
Host Puget Sound finished the game with a 24-2 edge in shots, including seven of the eight on target. 
 
Mia Speir made five saves in goal for the Lutes, logging all 90 minutes. Stella Grigoryan earned the win for the Loggers, allowing one goal and playing the entire second half in relief of Gianna Maldonado. 

"We're really proud of our players today. We had a game plan and we knew it was going to be a tough game. UPS is a good team, so credit to them. They were definitely the better team on the day statistically in possession and field territory, but our kids they worked hard, they battled, and they listen to the plan," said Head Coach Seth Spidahl.
 
"You know, we're 60 minutes in and up 1-0 through a fortunate goal to give ourselves a chance and we just had a bad 5 to 10 minute spell and they turned it up. We're proud of the players they did what we asked and tried their hardest and the message is the same, we still have 13 games left to play. We're going to have to keep working and keep getting better which we will. Our team is an awesome group this year and I know they'll give it their best."

Wednesday was PLU's first NWC setback since Nov. 1, 2023, going 28-0-7 in the past 35 conference games leading into this afternoon. 
 
The Lutes are back in action on Sunday afternoon, facing Willamette University at 2:45 p.m. in Salem, Oregon.