As expected, Colorado College ran into a buzz saw in Seattle on Friday. But, while the Tigers suffered their first defeat of the season, they're likely to be a more confident and much improved team the next time they take the field.

The University of Portland, ranked No. 3 nationally and No. 1 in the West Region, ultimately prevailed in a 2-0 victory at the Husky/Nike Invitational hosted by the University of Washington.

A pair of tallies by junior midfielder Elli Reed in the first half proved to be the difference as the Pilots, who have yet to allow a goal in 2009, improved to 4-0. Reed scored at 20:36, finding the upper left corner of the net after taking a cross from Danielle Foxhoven, then again on a rebound from close range just 1:49 before intermission.

Still, CC head coach Geoff Bennett had reason to feel encouraged.

“We came out with a very specific tactical plan of trying to limit Portland's chances,” Bennett said. “I thought we stuck to that plan very well. They had 12 shots in the first half, but only four were on goal. Then, in the last 20 minutes, we came at them in hopes that they'd be a bit winded near the end. And it almost worked.”

Had it not been for a spectacular save by Portland keeper Kelsey Davis on a shot by junior forward Tiffany Brown, the deficit would have been sliced in half in the waning minutes. Brown finished with all three of Colorado College's shots, including just two on goal compared to UP's nine. The Pilots attempted 18 overall. Sophomore Caitlin Hulyo made a season-high seven saves in a losing cause.

The Tigers, 2-1, have a chance to bounce back on Sunday, when they take on tournament host Washington in a 1:30 p.m. (PT) contest at Husky Stadium.