Novotny Strikes in First Minute as Lutes Shut Out Willamette

TACOMA, Wash. — The Pacific Lutheran University women’s soccer team delivered a strong defensive performance Saturday afternoon, defeating Willamette University 2-0 at East Field to earn another Northwest Conference victory. The Lutes struck early and added an insurance goal in the second half, while goalkeeper Mia Speir and the PLU defense held the Bearcats scoreless to secure the shutout. Kami Novotny opened the scoring just one minute into the match, finishing a play assisted by Tia Schwetz to give Pacific Lutheran an immediate advantage. The early goal set the tone for a first half in which the Lutes generated seven…