LINFIELD UNIVERSITY SOFTBALL VERSUS SUNY-ONEONTA • MARCH 14, 2024

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Fox (2) Noon

May 4 Willamette (2) Noon

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

May 10-12

May 17-19

May 24-25

May 30-June 5

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.

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

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

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.

April 20-21 at NWC Championships TBA

April

WOMEN'S

VIDEO

Joe

WILDCAT SPOTLIGHT

TRANSCENDING THE GAME

Sophia vanderSommen says the skills learned at Linfield have “helped shape me into the person I am today”

by marissa dolson ’24

In the heart of Tigard, Oregon, Linfield University softball player Sophia vanderSommen’s journey began. Born into a loving family, Sophia shares a tight-knit bond with her parents, Amy and Brody, and her two sisters, Hanna and Alexa. Reflecting on her upbringing, vanderSommen fondly reminisces about the cherished memories they crafted together.

“My family has shaped me in so many ways. I am grateful for their unwavering support and the values they’ve instilled in me,” Sophia says. “My dad has never missed one of my softball games and has always supported me in everything I have put my mind to. My mom is my best friend and the most positive person in my life. My parents have been happily married my entire life and I hope to find love like theirs one day. They are both big role models in my life.”

She says both her parents have taught her that having a good work ethic can create successful paths.

“Sophia is one of hardest-working people I’ve ever met, not just on the field, but in the classroom, weight room and anywhere in general,” says teammate Brynn Nelson. “She pushes those around her to be better every day and makes each day an opportunity to get better.

Guided by her parents’ example of perseverance and positivity, vanderSommen embarked on her collegiate journey at Linfield, fueled by a passion for softball and a thirst for knowledge. As a double major in accounting and finance, vanderSommen is determined to carve out a successful career for herself. “Having a good work ethic is key,” she affirms, emphasizing the wisdom passed down by her parents.

Thanks to that strong work ethic, she’s on course to graduate a year early and inspired a plan to enter Linfield’s master’s degree program.

“This past summer I worked at Delap, an accounting firm in Lake Oswego,” she says proudly. “I plan to work there after college in their Tax or Wealth Advisory Department. I am hoping to achieve my CPA and CFP certifications.”

Beyond the diamond, Linfield has afforded vanderSommen a myriad of opportunities for personal and intellectual growth. One experience she will never forget was her January Term class, Topics in Seminar/Security Markets where she was able to travel to New York City. The class was taught by business professor and faculty athletics representative Madeline Romero together with retired Linfield professor Scott Chambers.

The trip opened her eyes to the world, she says. “I loved everything about New York City. I ate the best bagels, jammed out to Broadway musicals, danced the tango with a random guy in Times Square, and became a master of the subway.” vanderSommen continued The most important thing about this trip was connecting with successful Linfield alumni. Connecting with Linfield alumni in Portland, Seattle, and New York City, was amazing because you can tell how eager they all were to help us with our career development. They were all super generous and so inspiring, I hope to one day move out to the big city and follow in their footsteps.”

In addition to the rigors of her academic pursuits, vanderSommen has found her place on the softball field. “Catball,” as Linfield’s softball program is often called, has not only honed her athletic performance but also fostered lifelong friendships and invaluable life lessons.

“Softball has taught me so much,” she says, reflecting on her three seasons in the program. “Time management, teamwork, perseverance — these skills transcend the game and have helped shape me into the person I am today.”

One of vanderSommens’ most cherished memories on the softball field dates back to her freshman year, during Catball Olympics week. “Catball Olympics is a week where we get separated into teams and compete against each other in fun little competitions, like dodgeball, dance battles, relay races, and so on. I was shy, but my group agreed to perform my favorite song, “Grenade” by Bruno Mars, as our lip sync battle. It was a showstopper. I was in my element and we choreographed the best dance. We decided to do a lip sync battle and it was electrifying,” she says with a smile. “It was the first time I truly opened up to my teammates and the bonds we forged that day continue to be strong to this day.”

Although vanderSommen has flourished at Linfield, her journey has not been without challenges. The physical distance between her and her twin sister, Alexa, initially strained their relationship. “It was hard seeing her thrive at college while I struggled with homesickness,” she admits. Yet, through the support of her Catball family and newfound independence, she has emerged stronger than ever. “Catball became my sanctuary,” she says, “And now, Alexa and I have a stronger bond than ever before.”

Her undergraduate studies will soon wrap up, yet Sophia vanderSommen stands tall as a testament to resilience, work ethic and dedication. With each stride she takes, both on and off the softball field, she embodies determination and the boundless potential that lies within.

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

A youthful team with a tremendous upside points to many future opportunities for success ahead

by kendrick murphy

The 2024 Linfield Wildcats are hungry and primed for more success following an incredible 2023 campaign. The Wildcats advanced to the NCAA Division III Championships, earned the program’s fourth straight outright Northwest Conference crown and had nine players recognized by All-NWC honors.

Now under 23rd-year head coach Jackson Vaughan and armed with three returning All-Americans and a slew of returning All-NWC selections, the ‘Cats aim to continue their standard of excellence and make another deep run into the postseason.

“We’re excited to play and get a measure of where we’re at,” Vaughan said. “And now you need some game feedback to make some improvements as a team.”

IN THE CIRCLE

Two-time NWC Pitcher of the Year Tayah Kelley returns for her final season in a Linfield uniform and will of course be the tip of the spear for this year’s pitching staff. In 2023, Kelley pitched nearly 230 innings with a 33-3 record, 1.52 ERA, 28 complete games and struck out 253 batters. The Myrtle Creek, Ore., native has already cemented her name in the Linfield record books and looks to lead the ‘Cats to another successful season.

“Tayah has played a lot, and like most fifth-year players, she’s pretty comfortable in her own skin,” Vaughan said. “She’s comfortable in what she knows and also knows what she needs to improve in. She and I talked and said I if you’re going to come back let’s try to make it great and see if you can get even better than you have been.”

Seeing innings behind Kelley will be Tyler Warden who appeared in 85 innings last spring, pitched two complete games, struck out 42 batters and finished with a 3.46 ERA. Mackenzie Burke and Hailey Wadsworth appeared in a combined 17 games, each pitching 11 innings or more. Newcomer Tyler McNeley will also have some opportunity to see some innings this season.

“We have a lot of potential,” said the coach. “McNeley has come in, worked hard and improved. Burke has been doing some good things and saw innings for us last year. Tyler and Hailey are both trying to improve on some things and they give us a good diversification of pitching styles.”

IN THE BATTER’S BOX

Led by 2023 All-Americans Claire Seats and Kaili Saathoff, the ‘Cats bring back plenty of pop in the lineup.

Linfield led the NWC in team batting average last year at .353. Seats and Saathoff were a big part of that. Seats finished 2023 with a .401 batting average while finishing second in the conference in total RBIs (63) and leading the team in home runs with seven.

Saathoff led the Wildcats in qualified batting average at .455. She stole 24 bases, drilled 11 doubles and led the NWC in total hits with 77.

Cydney Hess is also coming off a big 2023 season. Hess was one of six Wildcats named to All-Region X by NFCA and she finished last season with a .380 batting average, 60 hits and 17 doubles. Rounding out the key returners are second baseman Brynn Nelson, catcher Ashley Sutton and outfielder Tiani Wayton.

With the likes of Katie Phillips and Baily Paul moving on. Plenty of familiar names and new faces will have opportunities to take a big step up into some new roles.

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

“Freshman Meara Sain is very talented,” Vaughan said. “She does a variety of things from the left side of the plate and we predict her to play left field for us and bat lead off. Kyla Cross has been doing good things, Tiani Wayton has improved and so has Sophia vanderSommen had a good scrimmage and will be in the mix. Jacey Leyvas played a lot of DH for us last year and will probably fill in that third base roll.”

THE SCHEDULE

“It’s a tough schedule,” Vaughan said. “We’ll face some good pitching that’ll be a big test for us right off the bat and obviously face some really wellcoached teams. But going there to get a measure (of our team) is the most important thing.”

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 21 seasons as coach. Vaughan has amassed a career record of 776-192-2, including a 48188 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, he engineered an upset of No. 1-ranked East Texas Baptist in the regional playoffs. In 2011, Vaughan

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

LINFIELD WILDCATS

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HEAD COACH: Jackson Vaughan (23rd year)

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

Brady Crenshaw, Jackson Pfeifer

Safely

HEAD

SUNY-ONEONTA DRAGONS

Sara Curran-Headley (11th year)

ASSISTANT COACHES: Jade Meehan, John Speranzi, Catherine Johnson, Megan Palmatier

LINFIELD VERSUS SUNY-ONEONTA

Don’t Text and Drive

series BREAKDOWN

11 cydney hess

Please make it home safe today. golinfieldwildcats.com

THE RECORDS

Linfield captured the NFCA Leadoff Classic after going a perfect 4-0 in the trip to Columbus, Ga., and included in three wins over ranked teams. The Wildcats now welcome SUNY-Oneonta (0-2) from the East Coast for a doubleheader this afternoon.

LINFIELD AT A GLANCE

The Wildcats lead the Northwest Conference in batting average (.384) and team ERA (1.59). Tayah Kelley is coming off her selection as NFCA D-III Pitcher of the Week while also earning NWC Pitcher of the Week. Kelley leads the NWC and ‘Cat pitching staff in ERA at 0.58. Freshman Meara Sain leads the NWC in batting average at .750 and ranks among the leaders in stolen bases (7). Claire Seats (.462), Kaili Saathoff (.444) and Ashlyn Aven (.417) all rank inside the top 15 of the conference in batting average. Brynn Nelson, Cydney Hess and Seats are tied for the team lead in home runs with two.

SUNY-ONEONTA AT A GLANCE

The Red Dragons’ two games came in a doubleheader against Rowan in late February. So far this season, SUNY-Oneonta has 11 total hits on the season. Julia Serena and Sophia Mangone are tied for the team lead the Red Dragons in hits with two. Seven other players have recorded one hit. Emily Brown leads the Red Dragons with five innings pitched with Marissa Dionisio close behind with 4.1 innings pitched.

SERIES HISTORY

The Wildcats and Red Dragons have never played a game against one another in their history.

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.

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

NORTHWEST CONFERENCE

softball STANDINGS

Linfield’s Tayah Kelley dazzles in Georgia, sweeps conference and national awards

Linfield softball pitcher Tayah Kelley was named the season’s first Wilson/NFCA Division III Pitcher of the Week. Kelley’s efforts in the circle helped Linfield to a perfect 4-0 record and ultimately an NFCA Leadoff Classic title in Columbus, Ga.

In all, Linfield defeated three teams rated among the top 20 in the season’s first NFCA Top 25 poll. The Wildcats entered the Leadoff Classic owning the No. 7 ranking, but were at a notable disadvantage having traversed three time zones and without the benefit of having played any games yet this spring. Each of the teams Linfield faced this weekend had already at least four games under their belts.

In three appearances last week, Kelley totaled 12 innings, including two complete games and striking out 16 total batters while surrendering only one earned run. The Myrtle Creek, Ore., native earned Northwest Conference for the 16th time in her storied career earlier this week. This is Kelley’s second recent NFCA award after also being named to the Leadoff Classic All-Tournament team.

Linfield leads the NWC in team ERA at 1.59 with Kelley’s 0.58 ERA also topping the conference leaderboard.

The Wildcats moved up four spots in the NFCA Division III Top 25 Softball Coaches Poll to sit third in the rankings. The ‘Cats return to action this weekend in Spokane when they begin NWC play against the Whitworth Pirates.

The Linfield Athletics Hall of Fame, sponsored by Pacific Office Automation, was established in 1998 as an avenue to honor former athletes, coaches, staff and contributors and to preserve the memory of their past achievements.

A new class of inductees is honored at the Hall of Fame Banquet each fall. Inductees are chosen from a list of submitted nominations and voted upon by the Hall of Fame Executive and Selection Committees. The 20-member panel is made up of current and former staff members, past inductees, a member of the media, and a former athlete representing each of the preceding six decades.

Nominations must be submitted in writing using an official nomination form. Hall of Fame nominations are considered in any one of six categories: Athlete, Coach, Team, Athletics Staff, and Meritorious Service.

PROUD PARTNER OF LINFIELD ATHLETICS

LINFIELD ALL-AMERICANS

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

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

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 Phillip 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

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