OUTLAST OUTLIVE
We’re tough where it counts. From dominating wild trails to maneuvering rushing streams, roaming vast canyons and tackling remote peaks, our trucks prove their rugged capability over and over.
WELCOME TO LINFIELD UNIVERSITY
Kelly Bird, Conner Jensen, Joe Stuart STATISTICS
Gavin Dalziel PUBLIC
Steve Oleson
VIDEO WEBCASTS
Joe Stuart, Joel Nelson, Ethan Kline, Eric Albios
GAME PROGRAM
Kelly Bird, Conner Jensen, Felipe Unker
ASHLEY SUTTON
TYLER WARDEN
JACEY LEYVAS
145 career games
.402 batting average
22 doubles 27 home runs
103 runs batted in
KAILI SAATHOFF
174 career games
.421 batting average
43 doubles 119 runs batted in 57 stolen bases
CLAIRE
SEATS
188 career games
.395 batting average
60 doubles
44 home runs
BRYNN NELSON
185 career games .404 batting average
40 doubles
32 home runs 173 runs batted in
TIANI WAYTON
163 career games .310 batting average
AROUND THE NATION
Linfield slides three spots in the NFCA/GoRout Division III Coaches Poll following last week’s split at George Fox
East Texas Baptist dropped a game and a first-place vote, but remained No. 1 in the NFCA/GoRout Division III Top 25 Coaches Poll for a 10th straight week.
The top-ranked (33-3) Tigers split a conference doubleheader on Saturday at Mary Hardin-Baylor, losing the first game, 5-4, before rebounding to win the nightcap, 9-6. ETBU received nine of 10 first-place votes, marking the first time since March 11, 2020 that the No. 1 team in the Division III Top 25 was not unanimous.
Meanwhile, second-ranked Rowan (39-1) swept its two twinbills to keep pace and snag the other first-place vote. The Profs needed eight innings to dispatch Montclair State, 5-4, in their final game of the week, after winning their other three contests by a 28-3 margin.
Christopher Newport (32-4) won three of four games to stay third, ahead of Texas Lutheran (37-1), Trine (30-4) and Virginia Wesleyan (36-3-1), who all advanced one place. Texas Lutheran and Trine are riding win streaks of 21 and 25 consecutive games, respectively.
Linfield (31-5), which had been ranked fourth, fell to seventh following a four-game conference split with George Fox. Salisbury (32-3-1), Huntingdon (34-3) and Redlands (30-7) continue to round out the first 10.
After No. 11 Washington-St. Louis (29-5), No. 12 St. Mary’s (37-3) swapped places with Moravian (31-5), followed by Gettysburg (35-4) and Belhaven (28-7). No. 19 Baldwin Wallace (29-2) capped another undefeated week with a sweep of Capital that wrapped up the Yellow Jackets’ first-ever Ohio Athletic Conference regular-season crown. Randolph-Macon (31-9) slid five places to 23rd this week after losing three of four games, two of which were to top-10 Virginia Wesleyan Illinois Wesleyan (29-7) and Hardin-Simmons (31-4) moved into the No. 22 and 25 spots after receiving votes previously.
AROUND THE NATION
11 CYDNEY HESS
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 849-199-2, including a 52388 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, 10 regional titles and 16 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 12 of the last 16 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 198-34 record since 2000. Linfield qualified for the Division III playoffs 15 of the last 21 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 where they are raising their three school-age daughters, Hallie, Reese and Finley.
TIANI WAYTON| 1
5-4 | Senior | OF
|
|
ashley sutton |16
5-8 | Senior | C Monroe, Oregon
5-10 | Sophomore | OF
MEET THE WILDCATS
Sydney ries | 3 5-9 | Senior | OF Moses Lake, Washington
cydney hess | 11 5-10 | Junior | 3B West Linn, Oregon
kaili saathoff| 17 6-0 | Senior | 1B Philomath, Oregon
justice | 7 5-4 | Freshman | SS/2B
emily foytack | 12 5-8 | Freshman | C Longview, Washington
lauren beach | 18
5-8 |
sophie
| 30
5-5 | Freshman | 2B/SS Portland,
MeAra Sain| 33 5-6 | Sophomore | OF/2B Eugene, Oregon
mckenna| 19 5-4 | Freshman | C/1B
5-6
Kailua, Hawaii
peyton
McMinnville, Oregon
brynn nelson|9
5-6
Senior
2B Bonney Lake, Washington
Natalie brinda | 13 5-8 | Junior | SS Portland, Oregon
sierra
Beaverton, Oregon
annika dayberry | 22
Redmond, Washington
jacey leyvas | 8 5-6 | Senior | 1B Redlands, California
sophia vandersommen|15 5-6 | Senior | OF Tigard, Oregon
ally downing | 21 5-5 | Freshman | OF Gresham, Oregon
ashlyn aven | 20 5-7 | Junior | 3B/C Yelm, Washington
Tyler mcneley | 26 5-10 | Sophomore | P Lakeview, Oregon
lacey vasas | 23 5-4 | Freshman | P/UT Salem, Oregon
KYla Cross | 4 5-4 | Sophomore | OF Bonney Lake, Washington
claire seats | 5 5-7 | Senior | OF Seattle, Washington
Freshman | OF/3B Lake Oswego, Oregon
KEIRA SULLIVAN | 24
5-9 | Freshman | 1B Martinez, California
tyler warden | 25 5-10 | Grad Student | P Monroe, Oregon
Hadley Dunham |14 5-6| Sophomore | OF Walla Walla, Washington
Lexiss Antle| 28
5-7 | Sophomore | 2B/UT Gaston, Oregon
nayeli hart | 44
5-5 | Freshman | P Jefferson, Oregon
pappas
Oregon
breanna bartek | 35
| Freshman | OF San Jose, California
Kaia Young | 27 5-5 | Freshman | C/OF Portland, Oregon
LINFIELD WILDCATS
HEAD COACH: Jackson Vaughan (24th year)
ASSISTANT COACHES: Jamie Vasas, Amanda Knopf, Jordan Bennett, Emily Allen
STUDENT MANAGERS: Brady Crenshaw, Jackson Pfeifer
WILLAMETTE BEARCATS
LINFIELD VERSUS WILLAMETTE
series BREAKDOWN
THE RECORDS
Linfield (31-5, 21-3 NWC) needs two wins to lock down a share of the NWC title and secure the top seed in the NWC Tournament. Sitting in fifth place in the standings, Willamette (20-14, 12-12 NWC) is fighting for a postseason invitation as they are one game out of fourth place and currently hold the longest winning streak in the conference with six straight victories.
LINFIELD AT A GLANCE
After the Wildcats and Bruins put on a historic offensive showing last week-end, Claire Seats has ballooned her conference lead in several statistical cate-gories. The senior now leads the NWC in runs (48), hits (61), RBI (60) and holds a share of the lead in home runs with 18. with all nine starters tallying at least one, the Wildcats are up to 74 homers on the season, nearing their own NCAA Division III record of 103 set in 2011. Tyler McNeley remains Lin-field’s star in the circle, amassing 136 strikeouts in just 131 innings pitched.
WILLAMETTE AT A GLANCE
With six straight wins under their belt, the Bearcats enter this weekend’s series red-hot and look to work their way into the conference tournament. Emma Elliott leads the way offensively with a .482 batting average, topping the NWC ranks. She also leads the team in hits alongside Desirae Hatfield, each registering 41. Mia Lund has launched two homers to lead Willamette and Faith Collar has brought 22 runs across home plate. Kenna Davis has been the mainstay starter on the mound with 123 innings pitched where she’s racked up 127 strikeouts and holds a 1.54 ERA. Abigail Loomis has 40 strikeouts to go along with a 4.20 ERA.
SERIES HISTORY
Linfield holds a commanding 98-23 lead in the all-time series with Willamette and has won 16 straight games against the Bearcats. Willamette’s last win came during the 2021 season in McMinnville.
9 BRYNN NELSON
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 2025. 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.
A Heritage of Confident Service
Macy & Son is in the business of helping people and meeting the individual needs of McMinnville area families for five generations.
NORTHWEST CONFERENCE
HITTING
Emma Elliott (Willamette) .482 83
Claire Seats (Linfield) .480
Sharon Tomei (G. Fox) .478 113
Jacey Leyvas (Linfield) .459
Zoe Smithson (PLU) .438
Meara Sain (Linfield) .437
Ashlyn Aven (Linfield) .437
Sarae (PLU)
Brynn Nelson (Linfield) .426 122
Madison
Cydney
(L&C)
Gildersleeve (L&C)
Lacey Marglin (L&C) .409
softball STANDINGS
1975 Ed Willig 2-4
1976 Nick Santangelo
1977 Dave Cargni 1978 Dave Cargni
SEASON-BY-SEASON
Laura Kenow 15-14 7-7 3rd 8-4
Laura Kenow 24-20 9-7 3rd 8-4
Laura Kenow 18-13 10-6 3rd 1996 Laura Kenow 21-12 16-4 2nd 1997 Laura Kenow 23-18 14-6 2nd 1998 Laura Kenow 20-22-1 14-9-1 3rd NCAA
1999 Laura Kenow 20-17 17-7 3rd
2000 Laura Kenow 24-10 14-7 4th
2001 Laura Kenow 24-17 14-7 2nd
2002 Jackson Vaughan 21-17 13-8 3rd
2003 Jackson Vaughan 27-11 21-5 2nd
Jackson Vaughan 39-8-1 25-3 1st
Jackson Vaughan 12-2 4-0 DNF 2021 Jackson Vaughan 38-9 22-6 2nd
25-3 1st
PROUD PARTNER OF LINFIELD ATHLETICS
LINFIELD ALL-AMERICANS
NAME YEAR HONOR
Katie Harding 1997 NAIA Second Team
Shelly Steinke 2006 NFCA Third Team
Jenny Marshall 2007 NFCA First Team
Stephanie Rice 2007 NFCA Third Team
Jenny Marshall 2008 NFCA First Team
Stephanie Rice 2008 NFCA First Team
Brittany Miller 2008 NFCA Second Team
Brittany Miller 2009 NFCA First Team
Staci Doucette 2009 NFCA First Team
Alex Hartmann 2009 NFCA Third Team
Emily Keagbine 2009 NFCA Third Team
Staci Doucette 2010 NFCA First Team
Karleigh Prestianni 2010 NFCA First Team
Alex Hartmann 2010 NFCA Third Team
Emily Keagbine 2010 NFCA Third Team
NAME YEAR HONOR
Staci Doucette 2011 NFCA First Team
Emilee Lepp 2011 NFCA First Team
Emily Keagbine 2011 NFCA First Team
Kayla Hubrich 2011 NFCA First Team
Karleigh Prestianni 2011 NFCA Second Team
Claire Velaski 2011 NFCA Third Team
Emilee Lepp 2012 NFCA First Team
Karleigh Prestianni 2012 NFCA First Team
Staci Doucette 2012 NFCA First Team
Karina Paavola 2012 NFCA Third Team
Karleigh Prestianni 2013 NFCA First Team
Lisa Yamamoto 2013 NFCA First Team
Erin Carson 2013 NFCA Second Team
Ashley Garcia 2014 NFCA First Team
Karina Paavola 2014 NFCA Third Team
NAME YEAR HONOR
Melanie Oord 2016 NFCA Second Team
Cheyenne Fletcher 2017 NFCA Second Team
Melanie Oord 2018 NFCA Third Team
Makenna Clizer 2019 NFCA Third Team
Katie Phillips 2022 NFCA First Team
Tayah Kelley 2022 NFCA Second Team
Katie Phillips 2023 NFCA First Team
Tayah Kelley 2023 NFCA First Team
Claire Seats 2023 NFCA Second Team
Kaili Saathoff 2023 NFCA Second Team
Tayah Kelley 2024 NFCA First Team
Brynn Nelson 2024 NFCA First Team
Claire Seats 2024 NFCA First Team
Kaili Saathoff 2024 NFCA Second Team
Tyler McNeley 2024 NFCA Third Team
RECENT HONORS
Linfield’s Jake Swenson continues to distinguish himself as one of the region’s top small college baseball pitchers
The Northwest Conference on Monday recognized Linfield baseball player Jake Swenson as this week’s NWC Student-Athlete Pitcher of the Week. This marks Swenson’s third conference award this spring.
The sophomore from Camas, Washington, turned heads last weekend when he pitched a full game against Puget Sound, allowing five hits, one run and striking out 15 Loggers en route to a 5-1 Linfield victory. His 15 strikeouts marked the third most Ks in a game by a Wildcats pitcher in program history.
Earlier this season, Swenson set the program record for strikeouts in a game with 17 against Pacific Lutheran and has separated himself as one of the most dominant and diverse pitchers in the Northwest Conference this season.
The Camas High School product is majoring in sports management and is the son of Diane and Gregg Swenson.
TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Kira Hawaaboo repeats as NWC Field Athlete of the Year; Nick Olsen reclaims shot put title
Recognizing an impressive all-around effort that included two individual titles plus a handful of top-three finishes, Linfield junior Kira Hawaaboo was crowned NWC Women’s Field Athlete of the Year last Sunday for a second straight season.
Hawaaboo was honored as the 2025 NWC Track and Field Championship meet completed its two-day run at Lewis & Clark College’s Eldon Fix Track and Griswold Stadium.
Hawaaboo repeated as NWC heptathlon and long jump champion and while also placing third in the 100-meter dash (12.40), third in the 200-meter dash (25.47), third in the javelin (130-0), and helping Linfield to a fifth-place result in the 4x100 relay (season-best time of 50.76).
Scoring additional team points for the Linfield women were Jordan Roberts, fourth in the 100 hurdles (15.60); Rachelle Silis, fourth in the 400 dash (58.75); and Logan Roberts, fourth in the high jump (5-1¼).
Leading the men was Nick Olsen, who repeated as NWC shot put champion, posting a mark of 49-8½ to win by a full foot. Also earning points for the men were Liam Christensen, fifth in the 100 (11.13); Charles Dayton seventh in the 100 (11.20); Jacob Tabares, second in the 200 (22.13); Conner Dooley, fourth in the 800 (1:54.99); Alex Oathout, sixth in the 5,000 (14.54.74); and Andrew Troeh, eighth in the high jump (5-10¾).
THE TOPCAT CLUB
The Linfield University TopCat Club serves as a support organization to the 23 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
