LINFIELD UNIVERSITY SOFTBALL VERSUS PACIFIC • APRIL 13-14, 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

in it to win it

Being part of a high-level college softball program has only strengthened Tiani Wayton’s resolve to win a championship

by marissa dolson ’24

In the heart of Kailua, Hawai’i, Tiani Wayton began to emerge into the world, the youngest member of a tight-knit family of athletes. Raised by her parents, Diane and Charlie, alongside her two older brothers, Chase and Chayne, the junior outfielder’s journey from the sun-soaked shores of her hometown to the Linfield University softball diamond is nothing short of inspiring.

“My dad was a baseball and football player and my two brothers were both baseball players as well,” she says. “I would say this shaped me athletically and influenced me to play softball. I would also say to be very hardworking academically and in sports.”

Wayton’s athletic abilities began to flourish at a young age, honing her skills on both the soccer field and the softball field. She sprinted across soccer fields from the age of 4 until her senior year at Punahou High School. Yet, it was on the softball field, starting around age 8, where Wayton truly found her passion that would ultimately lead her to Linfield.

“Playing softball at Linfield has made my experience memorable,” she says with a smile. “Some of my favorite memories consist of long bus rides, traveling to other states, winning the Northwest Conference championship two years in a row, winning Regionals, winning Super Region als, and playing in the Division III Softball World Series.”

Though Wayton has already hung up her soc cer cleats, her role with the Linfield softball team takes full advantage of her speed. Says Wayton: “My freshman and sophomore years, I was primarily a pinch runner and contributed to a lot of our team’s stolen bases and runs while being a backup outfielder. This year, I have been in the rotation for right field in addition to being a pinch runner and hitter.”

Wayton’s road to Linfield wasn’t particularly easy. The COVID-19 pandemic posed a formidable obstacle, hindering her recruitment process for college softball.

“One of my biggest adversities was trying to get recruited for softball during COVID,” she says. “A lot of schools did not have money to offer for scholarships or didn’t have spots open as they were keeping on their returning players for an extra year.”

To catch the eye of college coaches, Wayton had to navigate the uncertainties and

restrictions that arose during the pandemic. Wayton had to persevere and leverage technology to showcase her talents and ultimately find her home at Linfield.

“It was also hard to get coaches to travel out to see games because of all the new restrictions. I sent links to my games for them to watch the streams and sent so many emails. It was a struggle, but eventually I got in contact with (Linfield coach Jackson Vaughan) and he helped me find scholarships that I could apply for. That made my decision a lot easier.”

Currently pursuing a degree in exercise science at Linfield, Wayton aspires to pursue a career in physical therapy or as a physician’s assistant. Her parents, who worked tirelessly to provide for their family, serve as her guiding lights, stressing the value of hard work and perseverance.

“My parents have always been my role models,” she says. “Although they didn’t go to college, they have worked for everything in their life that they have now. It wasn’t easy for them, but they provided my siblings and me with a great life. I value their work ethic and try to embody that work ethic in everything I do.”

Throughout Wayton’s academic endeavors at Linfield, she has found a platform for personal growth. Through the rigors of her studies, she says she has learned valuable lessons.

“My academic career at Linfield has helped me grow as a person by teaching me how to manage my time, to work hard, and that everything doesn’t always go your way but you can always try your

As she looks to the future, Wayton’s goals extend far beyond the softball field. While she strives for excellence on the field, her ultimate desire is to claim an NCAA title alongside her teammates. However, she understands the importance of fulfilling her roles on the field, staying grounded, focusing on the present, and giving her all in every game.

“My goals for this season are for the team to be the best we can be and for me to fulfill any role that I am needed to the best of my ability,” says Wayton. “The ultimate goal is for us to win the national championship. But we need to take care of business first and ball out so that we can get (to the championship finals in Texas).”

From her early days as a pinch runner to her current role in the outfield rotation, Linfield’s Tiani Wayton’s journey clearly demonstrates her perseverance, determination, and work ethic.

With each step moving forward, she is fueled by a passion for the game.

AROUND THE NATION

Riding a school-record 24-game win streak, Linfield remains ranked third in this week’s NFCA Top 25 Coaches Poll

Defending national champion Trine continued to set the pace atop the NFCA Division III Top 25 Coaches Poll for an eighth straight week, going back to the final ranking of last season.

The No. 1 (22-1) Thunder swept Kalamazoo on Saturday to run their victory streak to 20 games and lead an unchanged top 15. Seven teams in that group have won at least 12 straight games, including No. 3 Linfield, which has won all 24 of its contests this spring.

Second-ranked Salisbury (18-1) and No. 15 UW-Whitewater (13-1) have both dropped just one contest in 2024. The Sea Gulls split a March 14 twinbill with receiving votes Lynchburg, and UWWhitewater lost Saturday to DePauw, which has defeated seven ranked teams this season, tied No. 8 Randolph-Macon and lost to No. 19 Dominican by one run.

Fifth-ranked Berry, meanwhile, was the first ranked team to reach 30 wins. The (30-3) Vikings wrapped up their third-straight Southern Athletic Association regular-season crown with a threegame sweep of Birmingham-Southern.

The first change in the rankings doesn’t come until the No. 16 and 17 spots, where Tufts and Pfeiffer swapped places. The (27-1) Falcons lost 1-0 last Tuesday to N.C. Wesleyan after winning

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their first 25 games, while Tufts (18-4) won all four of its games and has won five straight and nine of its last 10.

No. 22 Ramapo (17-3) and 23rd-ranked UW-Oshkosh (18-0) moved up one place apiece, while Central (15-6) returned to the No. 24 spot after one week in the receiving votes category.

Illinois Wesleyan, which lost just 1-0 to UW-Whitewater and has won 11 of its last 13, is the lone newcomer to the rankings this week. The (13-6) Titans, who defeated then-No. 3 Berry earlier this season, are tied with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (10-4)

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

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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

LINFIELD VERSUS PACIFIC

series BREAKDOWN

THE RECORDS

Linfield continued to add to the best start in program history, rolling to a four-game series sweep over Puget Sound last weekend. The Wildcats are 24-0 on the season and sit atop the Northwest Conference standings with a perfect 12-0 record. The ‘Cats now return to Del Smith Stadium for a four-game homestand this weekend against Pacific (7-15, 3-7 NWC).

LINFIELD AT A GLANCE

The Wildcats lead the NWC in batting average (.393), ERA (1.34) and fielding percentage (.960). Linfield leads the nation in runs per game at 9.33. Tayah Kelley continues to add to her storied career after becoming Linfield’s all-time leader in shutouts. Kelley leads the conference in ERA (1.00), shutouts (5), complete games (11), wins (15) and strikeouts (112). Freshman Tyler McNeley is second to Kelly in ERA (1.11) and wins (9) while also ranking among the NWC leaders in strikeouts (41) and innings pitched (63.1). Offensively, the ‘Cats boast seven of the top 10 NWC leaders in batting average. Brynn Nelson (.544) and Kaili Saathoff (.507) rank among the top 20 in Division III in batting average. Claire Seats leads the NWC in home runs (8) and is tied for fifth nationally. Cydney Hess is second in the nation in total RBIs with 41 which also tops the conference.

PACIFIC AT A GLANCE

Pacific hits .262 as a team and holds a 7.15 team ERA. Michelle Winfield leads the Boxers offense with a .367 batting average with Kimberly Ray (.343) and Kayla Kodani (.340) right behind. Ray leads Pacific in total hits with 23 hits and eight doubles. Winfield leads the team in stolen bases with 14. Karlie Espinoza holds a 6.40 ERA and leads the Boxers in wins (3) and innings pitched (42.2). Haleigh Colfeit leads Pacific pitchers with a 4.99 ERA.

SERIES HISTORY

The ‘Cats are 100-22 all-time against the Boxers. Linfield holds a 54-11 record at home against Pacific and averages nearly six runs per contest. The Wildcats are looking to extend a 19-game series win streak.

22 annika dayberry

2024 LINFIELD WILDCATS

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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.

RECENT HONORS

Cydney Hess, Tayah Kelley and Kira Hawaaboo earn Northwest Conference recognition

For the second time in as many weeks, three Linfield student-athletes were selected as Northwest Conference Student-Athletes of the Week. Linfield softball swept the weekly honors for the third time this spring as Tayah Kelley and Cydney Hess were hononred, and track and field standout Kira Hawaaboo turned in a record-setting weekend in the high jump to claim her first weekly honor.

Kelley became Linfield’s all-time shutouts leader this past weekend as Linfield swept Puget Sound in Tacoma. The senior righthander pitched 13 innings, tallying two complete games, 25 strikeouts and only giving up three hits. She leads the NWC in ERA (1.00), shutouts (5), complete games (11), wins (15) and strikeouts (112).

Against the Loggers, Hess went 7 for 14 at the plate and tallied at least one hit in every game. The West Linn, Ore., native added two home runs and nine RBIs across the four contests. Hess ranks among the NWC leaders in batting average (.403) while topping the conference in RBIs with 41.

Hawaaboo added her name atop the Linfield track and field record book as the Wildcats hosted the Jenn Boyman Invitational. She set a new school record in the long jump with a leap of 18 feet, 9¾ inches, eclipsing the 26-year-old Linfield long jump record of 18-8¾. Her mark stands fourth among all NCAA Division III women’s long jumpers.

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Linfield’s Kira Hawaaboo scored 4,495 points on her way to capturing the Northwest Conference women’s heptathlon championship Tuesday at Willamette’s McCulloch Stadium.

The sophomore from Enumclaw, Washington, topped a field of eight competitors to become Linfield’s first NWC heptathlon champion since Olivia Bannerot in 2016.

On the strength of winning efforts in the long jump and javelin, Hawaaboo surged from fourth place after Day 1 into first place on Day 2. She also won the 200-meter dash.

Hawaaboo’s 4,495 cumulative points are the third-highest heptathlon total in Linfield track and field history. She came within 79 points of breaking the all-time record of 4,573 points set by Bannerot at this same meet in 2016. She currently owns the fourth-best score among NCAA Division III heptathletes.

Hawaaboo crowned NWC heptathlon champion

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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