LINFIELD UNIVERSITY SOFTBALL VERSUS GEORGE FOX • APRIL 26 & 28, 2024

March 9 Whitworth (2)

March 10 Whitworth (2) 11 a.m.

March 15

(2)

March 23 Pacific Lutheran (2)

March 24 Pacific Lutheran (2)

March 27 at Redlands (2) Noon

March 28 at Whittier (2)

April 6 at Puget Sound (2)

April 7 at Puget Sound (2)

April 13 Pacific (2)

April 14 Pacific (2)

April 20 at Lewis & Clark (2) Noon

April 21 at Lewis & Clark (2) 11 a.m.

April 26 George Fox (2) 2 p.m.

April 28 George Fox (2) Noon

May 4 Willamette (2) Noon

May 5 at Willamette (2) 11 a.m.

May 10-12

May 17-19

Tournament TBA

NWC Tournament TBA

NCAA Regionals TBA

May 24-25 NCAA Super Regionals TBA

May 30-June 5 NCAA Finals TBA

Feb. 10 Pacific Lutheran 1 p.m.

Feb. 23 Eastern Oregon 6 p.m.

March 8 Whitman 6 p.m.

March 10 Whitworth 1 p.m.

Jan. 28 at Oregon TBA

Feb. 10 at Lewis & Clark 11 a.m.

Feb. 11 Puget Sound 10 a.m.

Feb. 16 vs. Colorado College 10 a.m.

Feb. 18 Cal Lutheran 10 a.m.

Feb. 25 British Columbia 10 a.m.

March 2 Willamette 11 a.m.

March 3 at George Fox 11 a.m.

March 9 Whitworth 11 a.m.

March 10 Whitman 11 a.m.

March 25 at Biola 2 p.m.

March 28 at Pt. Loma Nazarene 2 p.m.

March 31 at Puget Sound 10 a.m.

April 6 at Pacific 11 a.m.

April 13 Lewis & Clark 11 a.m.

April 20-21 at NWC Championships TBA

DATE OPPONENT TIME

Jan. 21 vs. Portland State 10 a.m.

Jan. 28 at Oregon (exhibition) TBA

Feb. 10 at Lewis & Clark 11 a.m.

Feb. 16 vs. Colorado College 2 p.m.

Feb. 18 Cal Lutheran 10 a.m.

Feb. 19 UC-Santa Cruz 10 a.m.

March 2 at Willamette 11 a.m.

March 3 George Fox 11 a.m.

March 9 at Whitworth 11 a.m.

March 10 at Whitman 11 a.m.

March 21 Wellesley 3 p.m.

March 27 at Occidental 4 p.m.

March 28 at Point Loma Nazarene 5 p.m.

March 31 Puget Sound 10 a.m.

April 6 Pacific 11 a.m.

April 13 at Lewis & Clark 11 a.m.

DATE MEET TIME

Jan. 27 at The Podium 9 a.m.

Feb. 9-10 at The Podium 9 a.m.

Feb. 17-18 at George Fox 9 a.m.

Feb. 23-24 at UW Qualifier 9 a.m.

March 1-2 Erik Anderson Icebreaker 6 p.m./9 a.m.

March 8-9 at NCAA Indoor Championships All day

March 9 at Lane 10 a.m.

March 16 at Rich Allen Classic 10 a.m.

March 23 at Willamette Invitational 10 a.m.

March 25-26 at Pacific Multi-Events 10 a.m.

March 30 at Pacific Open 10 a.m.

April 6 Jenn Boyman Memorial 10 a.m.

April 8-9 at NWC Multi-Events 10 a.m.

April 13 at Lewis & Clark 10 a.m.

April 19-20 at NWC Championships 10 a.m./10 a.m.

April 26-27 at Oregon State 11 a.m.

May 3 at Oregon Twilight Noon

May 4 Linfield Open 10 a.m.

May 11 at Portland Distance Festival Noon

May 15-16 at George Fox Last Chance 10 a.m.

May 23-26 at NCAA Outdoor Championships All day

March

April

March 12 Illinois Wesleyan TBA

March 19 Willamette 5 p.m.

March 23 at Pacific 1 p.m.

April 3 at George Fox 5 p.m.

April 7 at Puget Sound 1 p.m.

April 10 at Lewis & Clark 7 p.m.

April 13 at Whitworth 1 p.m.

April 14 at Whitman 1 p.m.

April 20 Pacific 1 p.m.

April 21 at Willamette 1 p.m.

April 24 George Fox 6 p.m.

April 27 Puget Sound 1 p.m.

May 4-5 at NWC Tournament TBA

April 20-21 at NWC Championships TBA

WILDCAT SPOTLIGHT

breaking barriers

Senior Tyler Warden envisions a future in which more women occupy leadership roles in sports organizations

by marissa dolson ’24

Among the rich tapestry of agricultural life in Monroe, Oregon, Linfield University softball player Tyler Warden learned the values of hard work, perseverance and community at an early age.

“Growing up on our family farm taught me the importance of dedication and resilience,” says Warden. “Helping my dad during harvest season, I learned that success doesn’t come easy; it’s earned through sweat and determination.”

Hailing from a town where the population barely reached 700, Warden’s path to athletic prowess was anything but conventional. As a three-sport athlete throughout high school, she thrived on the basketball courts, volleyball courts, and softball fields, leaving a mark on her small town.

“Sports were more than just games, they were a way of life,” she says, looking back.” Sports were a way people bonded. My closest friends played alongside me in all three sports and the community would always show up and support us, which was awesome.”

The COVID-19 pandemic cast a shadow over Warden’s senior year, abruptly halting her final softball season and leaving her grappling with uncertainty.

“Losing our season was devastating,” Warden admits. “But it taught me to cherish every moment on the field and never take anything for granted.”

Transitioning from Monroe High School to the Linfield campus was a leap for Warden. Initially apprehensive about leaving behind her small-town roots, she found a sense of community in college.

“I was very nervous coming to Linfield from my small farming town and was worried about making friends.” Warden says. “Now I’m surrounded by so many friends, teammates, coaches, and community members that all support me. It’s been amazing. I have been blessed to have great teammates through my four years here and have been able to bond with them.”

Central to Tyler Warden’s journey at Linfield is the support of her parents, Melissa and Chuck Warden.

“They push me to be the best version of me, but they also let me know that sometimes it’s okay to not have a plan in everything you do,” she says.

“I tend to be not the most confident person, but my dad especially reminds me that I am who I am and to not worry about what those around me have to say about it. My mom is one of the most caring and kind people you will ever meet. She supports my teammates like they are her kids, which to me says a lot about her.”

As she nears the completion of a bachelor’s degree in Sport Management, Warden’s aspirations extend far beyond a college degree as she intends to continue toward a master’s degree in Sports Leadership. With a passion for breaking barriers and fostering diversity in the sports industry, she envisions a future in which more women occupy leadership roles.

“As of now, I know that businesses, as well as sports, are not as opportunistic for women, but I hope to change that. I think we need more female leaders to inspire others to shoot for big roles in companies and sports teams. My dream job currently would look something like being a marketing manager for a Formula 1 team. It’s a sport with a very large platform that allows you to connect with people all over the world. The sport is very unique as it takes place in many different countries with hundreds of thousands of people supporting the sport wherever it travels. I think it would be special to be a part of something

Reflecting on her academic journey at Linfield, Warden acknowledges the impact of personalized education and mentorship.

“Linfield is different from a lot of universities in the fact that you get to experience learning from a lot of different career fields. And you get to do so in a small environment. I think that if I had gone to a larger school I wouldn’t be as invested in my classes as I am here,” Warden says.

Beyond the classroom, Warden’s involvement as a manager with the Linfield football program has deepened her sense of belonging. “It has been really special to be a part of, not one, but two programs that are committed to excellence and hold a high standard. It’s been a great experience for me – I got to spend a lot of time with Jackson Vaughan, I got the pleasure of working with (football equipment manager) Mack Farag, who is now my family away from family, and I got a whole new support system in football which are my brothers.”

On the topic of Linfield’s softball season, Tyler’s focus is unwavering. “It’s very clear what we are out to achieve this year and that is bringing a national championship home to McMinnville. We got a taste of the World Series last year, and everyone who is returning knows there is unfinished business.”

As Tyler Warden continues to write her story, she remains guided by the values instilled in her by her family and community. With each stride forward, she embodies the spirit of a true champion, both on the field and in life.

AROUND THE NATION

No. 2 Linfield remains Division III’s lone unbeaten team as the top tier of the NFCA Top 25 Poll stays unchanged

No. 1 Salisbury kept rolling and the entire top 10 followed suit as there were few changes in the NFCA Division III Top 25 Coaches Poll.

The (26-1) Sea Gulls swept Mary Washington and Shenandoah over the last week and will put their 21-game win streak on the line with a twinbill against Stevenson on Wednesday. No. 2 Linfield (32-0) stayed undefeated with a four-game sweep of Lewis and Clark, while third-ranked East Texas Baptist (29-2) took a doubleheader from Texas-Dallas, No. 4 Trine (30-3) scored two sweeps, and No. 5 Berry (37-3) wrapped up its regular season with two victories over Covenant.

Pfeiffer (35-1) and Texas Lutheran (25-3) swapped the No. 11 and 12 positions this week after the Bulldogs dropped the final game of their three-game series with Trinity and the Falcons swept Greensboro to push their win streak to 10.

Tufts (26-5) and Rowan (27-7) both winning, but exchanged the 14th and 15th spots. Central (21-6) moved up one position to 18th after extending its win streak to eight with a sweep of Simpson, and was set to embark on a stretch of 10 games over six days starting Tuesday at Luther.

No. 19 Wisconsin-Oshkosh (27-1) suffered its first defeat in a ranked split with then-No. 23 Wisconsin-Whitewater

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Fellow Wisconsin school Stevens Point (25-3) gained two places to 20th after notching a fifth-straight triumph.

Losses caused Ramapo (24-6) and Dominican (29-3) to slip three and four places, respectively.

SUNY New Paltz (24-4) is the lone newcomer this week in the receiving votes category. The Hawks are riding a 15-game win streak that includes sweeping three SUNYAC doubleheaders over six days to stay a perfect 10-0 in conference play.

The NFCA Division III Top 25 Coaches Poll is selected by 10 NCAA Division III head coaches representing the 10 NCAA regions.

DEL SMITH STADIUM

Del Smith Stadium has steadily evolved into a jewel among college softball facilities in the Pacific Northwest. Named in honor of trustee emeritus and longtime Linfield College athletics supporter Del Smith, the facility slowly took shape over a 30-year period.

In 1990, the softball field became a permanent, softball-only facility. Prior to the 1990 season, the softball field was also used as the Wildcats’ soccer field in the fall. At that time, the field underwent a facelift as the playing surface was moved back 25 feet from the street to allow for portable bleachers, a temporary outfield fence was installed and a single batting cage was erected.

In 1995, a substantial upgrade was undertaken which added two covered team dugouts and a home-team dressing room. In addition, a six-foot cyclone fence was installed around the field’s perimeter.

The move toward permanent seating began in 1997 when an elevated platform was constructed. Stadium lighting was added in 2001. By 2008, an all-aluminum 400-seat grandstand replaced three sets of portable bleachers, doubling seating capacity.

An enclosed pressbox replaced a makeshift plywood shelter that provided protection from the weather for statisticians and game officials. During the same period of

time, an enhanced scoreboard with capability to display each score by inning, replaced the aging model in right field.

The facility took another major step forward in 2010 with the completion of two covered and partially enclosed batting cages beyond the outfield wall.

More improvements followed in the fall of 2020. The perimeter of the field was completely encircled with mesh branding, honoring Linfield’s graduated All-Americans as well as the Wildcats’ many conference, regional and national championships. New branded padding was added to the backstop and new netting system was installed.

HEAD COACH JACKSON VAUGHAN

Jackson Vaughan has transformed the Linfield softball program into an annual national-championship contender during 23 seasons as coach. Vaughan has amassed a career record of 823-195-2, including a 50788 mark in the Northwest Conference. Over the past two decades, he has led Linfield to unprecedented success, a span that includes the 2007 and 2011 NCAA Division III national championships, nine regional titles and 15 conference crowns. Twice, in 2007 and 2011, he was honored as the Division III Coach of the Year by the NFCA and has been named NWC Coach of the Year 11 of the last 15 seasons. He was selected as the top coach in the West Region in 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011.

In 2004, Vaughan engineered an upset of No. 1-ranked East Texas Baptist in the

regional playoffs. In 2011, he guided the Wildcats to their second national championship and third NCAA title appearance in five seasons.

Prior to becoming head coach, he served four seasons as a Wildcats assistant softball coach. He has served as a defensive coordinator and assistant football coach for the past 25 years, helping the Wildcats amass a 188-32 record since 2000. Linfield qualified for the Division III playoffs 14 of the last 20 seasons and captured the 2004 national championship with a 13-0 record.

A native of Hereford, Oregon, Vaughan received a bachelor’s degree from Linfield in accounting in 1997, graduating with honors.

He and his wife, Shelly, live in McMinnville with their three daughters, Hallie, Reese and Finley.

MEET THE WILDCATS

TIANI WAYTON| 1 5-4 | Junior | OF Kailua, Hawaii

TAYAH KELLEY | 2 5-7 | Senior | RHP Myrtle Creek, Oregon

claire seats | 5 5-7 | Junior | OF Seattle, Washington

savannah fitzgerald| 7 5-4 | Grad Student | C Twin Falls, Idaho

cydney hess | 11 5-10 | Sophomore | 3B/1B West Linn, Oregon

sophia vandersommen|15 5-6 | Junior | OF Tigard, Oregon ashley sutton |16 5-8 | Junior | C Monroe, Oregon

ashlyn aven | 20 5-7 | Sophomore | 3B/C Yelm, Washington

Tyler mcneley | 26 5-10 | Freshman | P Lakeview, Oregon

jacey leyvas | 8 5-7 | Junior | 1B Redlands, California

brynn nelson|9 5-6 | Junior | 2B Bonney Lake, Washington

kate kraljev| 6 5-7 | Sophomore | 3B/OF Happy Valley, Oregon

Hadley Dunham |14 5-6| Freshman | U Walla Walla, Washington

tyler warden | 25 5-10 | Senior | RHP Monroe, Oregon

Annika Dayberry| 22 5-5 | Freshman | OF Redmond, Washington

MACKENZIE BURKE | 34 5-6 | Junior | P/OF Kirlkland, Washington

Lexiss Antle| 28 5-7 | Freshman | 3B Gaston, Oregon

Sydney ries | 3 5-9 | Freshman | OF Moses Lake, Washington

KYla Cross | 4 5-4 | Sophomore | OF Bonney Lake, Washington

kaili saathoff| 17 6-0 | Junior | 1B Philomath, Oregon

hailey wadsworth| 30 5-6 | Junior | P Happy Valley, Oregon

MeAra Sain| 33 5-6 | Freshman | OF/2B Eugene, Oregon

Natalie brinda | 13 5-8 | Sophomore | SS Portland, Oregon

ADVANCE YOUR CAREER

MASTER’S DEGREES IN SPORTS SCIENCE AND ANALYTICS, BUSINESS AND NURSING

Uncommon place

Uncommon people Find your uncommon

LINFIELD WILDCATS

HEAD COACH: Jackson Vaughan (23rd year)

ASSISTANT COACHES: Jamie Vasas, Amanda Knopf, Jordan Bennett, Emma Podliska

STUDENT MANAGERS: Brady Crenshaw, Jackson Pfeifer

Safely

GEORGE FOX BRUINS

LINFIELD VERSUS GEORGE FOX

series BREAKDOWN

THE RECORDS

26 tyler mcneley

Linfield continues to roll after sweeping a four-game series against Lewis & Clark last week. The Wildcats continue to add to their best start in program history at 32-0 and sit on top of the Northwest Conference standings with a 20-0 record. The ‘Cats return to Del Smith Stadium this weekend for a four-game set with Yamhill County rival George Fox (18-14, 11-9 NWC).

LINFIELD AT A GLANCE

The Wildcats lead the NWC in team batting average (.376), team ERA (1.27) and fielding percentage (0.97). Tayah Kelley leads the NWC in ERA (1.01), complete games (15), innings pitched (104.1), strikeouts (158) and wins (20). Tyler McNeley is second to Kelley in ERA (1.12) and wins (12) while also ranking among the NWC leaders in strikeouts (61) and innings pitched (87.1). On offense, Brynn Nelson (.551), Kaili Saathoff (.489), Jacey Leyvas (.409), Cydney Hess (.408) and Claire Seats (.398) rank 1-5 among conference batting average leaders. Hess leads the NWC in RBIs with 49 while Seats is second in the conference in home runs with nine. Saathoff (13) and Leyvas (12) are first and second in the conference in doubles.

GEORGE FOX AT A GLANCE

George Fox hits .292 as a team and holds a 4.57-team ERA. Offensively, Sharon Tomei leads the Bruins with 10 home runs while Sydney Sandifer is close behind with nine. Kamryn Potter leads the George Fox with a .381 batting average. Tomei also leads the team with 37 RBIs. Emma Eastman leads the Bruins in the circle with a 3.95 ERA and seven wins. Elise Wilkinson has the second most innings pitched for George Fox at 73.2 while holding a 6.35 ERA.

SERIES HISTORY

The Wildcats are 97-22-1 all-time versus the Bruins. Linfield holds a 52-10 record at home against George Fox and has won eight of the last 10 meetings. The ‘Cats average 6.42 runs per game against the Bruins.

2024 LINFIELD WILDCATS

Your health means everything. Now is the time to make the most of it. It’s time to address those concerns, large or small, that you’ve been putting off. We’re here to help, with a range of quality healthcare services - from routine screenings, to surgeries, to emergency care. Don’t make your health wait. Get the care you need now.

To find a healthcare provider, call 503.922.6991

To learn more, visit WillametteValleyMedical.com

Back row (l to r): Assistant Coach Jamie Vasas, Assistant Coach Jordan Bennett, Assistant Coach Amanda Knopf, Ashlyn Aven, Sophia vanderSommen, Kaili Saathoff, Cydney Hess, Hadley Dunham, Ashley Sutton, Mackenzie Burke, Tyler McNeley, Tyler Warden, Lexiss Antle, Natalie Brinda, Kate Kraljev, Head Coach Jackson Vaughan. Front row: Assistant Coach Emma Podliska, Sydney Ries, Hailey Wadsworth, Brynn Nelson, Tayah Kelley, Savannah Fitzgerald, Kyla Cross, Claire Seats, Jacey Leyvas, Tiani Wayton, Meara Sain.

Taste the bounty of the region in unexpected ways.

Now taking reservations for our new Seasons menu celebrating the micro-seasons from our farm. Also duck into our cozy Cellar Bar for farm-inspired cocktails, our six-course tasting menu or a la carte bites.

LINFIELD SPORTS NETWORK

can’t attend the game? catch the action on the lsn

The Linfield Sports Network continues to bring fans live action of all home Linfield softball games in 2024. Fans can enjoy live and on-demand video webcasts and playby-play commentary on their computer, tablet, mobile device or Smart TV.

Live coverage begins 15 minutes prior to the start of each contest. Broadcasts include a complete postgame wrap-up with analysis and statistical breakdown.

LSN broadcasts are under the direction of the Athletics Broadcast Operations Coordinator Joe Stuart.

In his third year in the position, Stuart oversees all technical production and management of LSN broadcasts as well as providing play-by-play commentary on football, basketball, baseball and softball webcasts in addition to overseeing streaming efforts for volleyball, tennis and soccer.

All LSN broadcasts, both live and on demand, can be accessed by way of golinfieldwildcats.com/watch or through the Linfield Athletics app on mobile, tablet or smart TVs.

From the weekend warrior to the elite athlete, we are ready to get you back in the game. We will work closely with you to help create a treatment plan geared to and focused on you.

We are proud to serve as the team physicians for Linfield College, McMinnville High School and the See Ya Later Foundation.

softball STANDINGS

Junior second baseman Brynn Nelson is named the NWC’s Player of the Week for a fourth time

Linfield softball player Brynn Nelson was named Northwest Conference Softball Player Student-Athlete of the Week after her efforts in Linfield’s four-game sweep over Lewis & Clark last weekend. Nelson’s selection is her fourth such honor this season.

Nelson hit .540 or better in all four games and totaled five hits with at least one coming in every game. She poured in three runs, six RBIs, drew five walks and mashed two home runs.

The Bonney Lake, Wash., native leads the conference in batting average (.551), hits (49) and OPS (1.515). Nelson also ranks among the leaders in home runs (8), RBIs (36) and doubles (7).

Linfield continues adding to its best program start after moving to 32-0. The Wildcats are back at Del Smith Stadium on Sunday when they host Yamhill County rival George Fox with first pitch of the doubleheader scheduled for 12 noon.

Hawaaboo’s record-setting jump leads Division III

Season, career, school and conference records all were eclipsed by Linfield individuals competing last week at the Northwest Conference Track and Field Championships.

Linfield’s Kira Hawaaboo capped an impressive NWC championship meet by being named the Women’s Outstanding Field Performer and Women’s NWC Rookie of the Year.

Hawaaboo, a sophomore from Enumclaw, Washington, set Linfield, NWC championship-meet and NWC all-time records last Friday in the long jump, soaring an NCAA Division III-leading 19 feet, 6¾ inches. The 2024 NWC heptathlon champion also competed in the high jump, the 100- and 200yard dashes, and both relay events.

PROUD PARTNER OF LINFIELD ATHLETICS

LINFIELD ALL-AMERICANS

THE TOPCAT CLUB

The Linfield University TopCat Club serves as a support organization to the 21 NCAA Division III varsity sports teams and the more than 500 students who participate in athletics each year. Each year, support from the TopCat Club is essential to maintaining and expanding each of these programs.

The mission of the TopCat Club is to provide students with an outstanding athletic and academic experience and to strengthen the overall competitiveness of the overall Linfield athletics program.

At Linfield, we continually strive to improve programs and facilities so that our teams may compete at the highest level. Roughly 75 percent of the athletic department’s annual operating budget comes from the university’s general fund. The remainder is generated through a wide variety of external sources, including annual gifts to the Linfield TopCat Club.

To learn more about giving opportunities, please visit the TopCat Club website at www.linfieldtopcat.com

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