TACOMA, Wash. – A slow start proved costly for the Eastern Oregon women's lacrosse team on Sunday, as the Mountaineers fell 12-6 to Pacific Lutheran at East Field.

EOU (0-2) struggled to find its rhythm early, conceding seven unanswered goals in the first quarter. The Lutes (1-0) capitalized on their opportunities, building a lead that the Mountaineers were unable to overcome.

After trailing 10-3 at halftime, Eastern Oregon regrouped in the second half, outscoring Pacific Lutheran 3-2 over the final two quarters. Jade McCoy and Claire Bever each netted two goals for EOU, with Bever also recording an assist. Red Pratt and Sophia Martinez added a goal apiece.

Defensively, the Mountaineers tightened up after the break, limiting Pacific Lutheran to just one goal in the final 15 minutes. Goalkeeper Addi Bomberger finished with eight saves, four of which came in the first quarter.

Taylee Alldredge led Pacific Lutheran with a game-high six goals, while Annie Latimer tallied four assists.

Eastern Oregon will return to Community Stadium for a 1:00 p.m. matchup against the University of Puget Sound on February 22.