2
GAME TIME
february 26-27, 2022
WELCOME TO DEL SMITH STADIUM
THIS WEEK’S MATCHUP: WILLAMETTE AT LINFIELD game operations | event staff ATHLETIC DIRECTOR Dr. Garry Killgore EVENT MANAGER Doug Hire COMMUNICATIONS Kelly Bird, Kaho Akau, Joe Stuart STATISTICS Gavin Dalziel PUBLIC ADDRESS Jeremy Nettrouer, Joe Stuart VIDEO WEBCASTS Joe Stuart, Isaac Milner, Emma Mulligan GAME PROGRAM Kelly Bird, Kaho Akau, Chris Miles
21 jenny ball official publication of the linfield wildcats • golinfieldwildcats.com
GAME TIME
1
WILDCAT SPOTLIGHT the here and now
the internal turmoil she faced early on. Her honesty colors her a leader. Her genuine attitude makes her more personable than her list of achievements. Her actions demonstrate to younger Refusing to dwell on the past or look too far ahead into teammates that such a huge leap in success is more than posthe future, Tayah Kelley’s softball success comes from sible for them, too. living – and thriving – in the present “My biggest adversity has been the mental portion of softball,” she says. “Coming in as a freshman, I really struggled. I by RILEY OMONAKA ’24 had to learn to overcome the fear of failure.” infield softball player Tayah Kelley is a reminder to always She’s no longer impeded by those fears and works every expect the unexpected. Away from the pitching circle, day to minimize them in her teammates. she is a multi-faceted individual. And on the field, she has “Tayah throws hard, brings energy to our entire defense, already shown she should never be counted out. and pumps us all up constantly. She is truly an irreplaceable When you think you know everything about Kelley, a Myrtle part of this team,” Proffitt says. Creek, Oregon local, she proves you wrong. She cannot be While Kelley loves softball immensely, it does not compare backed into a corner and she won’t be limited by the judgements to her love for the women she plays with. Her favorite memory of others. so far this spring was team’s recent trip to California. As a freshman, she made only four game appearances She describes her team as simply “Great!” adding “We all during a shortened 14-game season. Despite her limited playlove to be around each other. It’s a very positive atmosphere.” ing time early in her collegiate career, Kelley emerged to promiKelley attributes her love for the game and personal success nence during a breakthrough sophomore season last spring. to her family. She describes them as her biggest fans and first She rose quickly through the ranks of not only the Linfield team, supporters. Her earliest memories of softball are bonding with but also within the Northwest Conference and West Region. her dad. In 2021, her performance was recognized by first team all“I’ve been playing softball since I was little. It was always conference and third team all-region recognition. something my dad and I loved to do together,” Kelley says. “Along with her glowing positivity, Tayah also brings a prowSoftball will probably never be in Kelley’s rearview mirror. ess to the circle that is unmatched by any other pitcher in As her career continues, she’s come to realize that she the conference,” teammate Abi Proffitt says. cannot see a future without the game. The next evolution This isn’t a surprise considering Kelley’s canwithin the game for Kelley is likely coaching. do mentality. She refuses to get hung up on past She’ll will graduate in a little more than a year mistakes or limitations. with a management degree. Once her time at Linfield “My mentality for this season is to concludes, Kelley wants to work in human resources just focus on getting better and not while continuing to coach on the side. living in the past. We can’t change “My favorite part about my major is learning prior plays, so we must be able to how to work with different people. I think it’s super do better on the next one.” cool to understand how to communicate with people,” Her attitude is inspiring to says Kelley, whose favorite Linfield those around her. She is beloved by class has been Business Law. teammates for positivity and love for In her free time, Kelley enjoys the game. reading and hiking. Like a true “Tayah is the brightest light on our Oregonian, she cannot get team, and personally, in my life,” Proffitt enough of Pacific Northwest says. “She brings an energy, enthusiscenery. asm and positivity that is unmatched by This year, Kelley is focusany other teammate. I can always go to ing on the here and now. Tayah when I need some encouragement, She refuses to be limited by a good laugh, or a shoulder to cry on.” others’ assumptions or satisKelley does not allow her limitations be fied by past achievements. defined by anything or anyone. She pushes She is pushing forward, past every plateau and every bit of adversity looking to lead the Wildcats to she encounters. It’s both awe-inspiring and a NWC championship and deep frightening. Frightening because Kelley displays postseason run. an uncanny commitment and discipline to imTo all young softball players, Kelley prove. has one piece of wisdom to impart: “Don’t While Kelley may not tout her own achieveworry about what others think about you. ments, she’s willing to be vulnerable about her Focus on doing better for yourself and your moments of self-doubt. She doesn’t glaze over team.”
L
2
GAME TIME
february 26-27, 2022
THANK YOU CORPORATE PARTNERS
free student drinks!
quick drive thru
open 24/7
10% discount to faculty/staff
punch cards available 220 NE 12th Street, McMinnville
a wildcat tradition
G&S Market 1145 SW Baker St. McMinnville
EST Home of the B ... bentos in town
472-7360 f. 435-1562
official publication of the linfield wildcats • golinfieldwildcats.com
GAME TIME
3
4
GAME TIME
february 26-27, 2022
THANK YOU CORPORATE PARTNERS Heated Storage Units i RV Storage i Truck Rental
yourspacestorage.com
Open 7 Days a Week! 25% off First Month’s Rent plus Free Security Lock. Two McMinnville locations on Lafayette Ave. Providing customers with a secure, clean, well-lit and convenient facility.
503-472-2986
Here for game day & every day. Utti Insurance Agcy Inc Rich Utti, Agent 620 SW Linfield Ave McMinnville, OR 97128 Bus: 503-472-6328
No matter where the day takes you, I’m here to help protect you and help you save. For your auto insurance needs and more, call or stop in today.
State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, Bloomington, IL State Farm County Mutual Insurance Company of Texas, Richardson, TX 1801264
official publication of the linfield wildcats • golinfieldwildcats.com
GAME TIME
5
THE VISITORS NWC standings as of february 22
NWC OVERALL
NO. NAME
POS.
B/T
YR.
1
Stasia Micky
C/3B
R/R
So.
Wahiawa, Hawaii
2
Hannah Porter
UT
S/R
Jr.
Chehalis, Wash.
3
Mia Lund
OF
R/R
So.
Omaha, Neb.
8-4
4
Amanda Wininger
OF
R/R
Fy.
Snohomish, Wash.
5-3
5
Athena Vandyke
C/3B
R/R
Fr.
Cornelius, Ore.
6
Jordyn Johnson
P
R/R
So.
Winslow, Ariz.
7
Bailey Hillmick
UT
L/R
Sr.
Athena, Oregon
8
Shaye Mott
P
L/R
Jr.
Livermore, Calif.
W-L
W-L
WHITWORTH
0-0
10-2
LINFIELD
0-0
3-1
LEWIS & CLARK
0-0
3-1
PACIFIC LUTHERAN
0-0
GEORGE FOX
0-0
WILLAMETTE
0-0
2-3
PACIFIC
0-0
1-7
PUGET SOUND
0-0
0-8
series breakdown LINFIELD AT A GLANCE Ranked No. 20 in the NFCA Preseason Poll, the Wildcats outscored their California opponents 31-19 in the opening week of their 2022 campaign. Katrina Johns and Kaili Saathoff both batted .545 with six hits on the road trip. Johns had three runs, nine RBI, three doubles and a home run. Kamryn Mobley went 7 for 16 with four RBI while Abi Proffitt had six RBI a double and a homer. Tayah Kelley went 2-0 in the circle on the week, turning in a pair of complete games with a combined 10 strikeouts, including seven against Pomona-Pitzer on Feb. 20. WILLAMETTE AT A GLANCE The Bearcats won their finale against Eastern Oregon, 3-2, to break a three-game losing streak. They’re batting .209 as a team with a 3.00 ERA. Brianna Majors is batting .294 with five hits, three runs, two RBI and two doubles. Mia Lund has scored six times while Kelsey Wong leads the team with four RBI. Jordyn Johnson is 1-2 in her three starts in the circle. She owns a 3.94 ERA. Shaye Mott threw a complete game in an 8-1 win over Corban on Feb. 5, allowing an unearned run on four hits. THE SERIES Linfield and Willamette have met 107 times. The Wildcats won 84 of those games. The Wildcats own an 80-22 record against the Bearcats in NWC play and a 45-8 record at home. Linfield has won three straight matchups and 17 of the last 18. The Wildcats took three of four games in the 2021 season, all wins coming by eight-run mercy rule.
6
willamette bearcats
GAME TIME
HOMETOWN
9
Samantha Loomis
P
R/R
Gr.
Camarillo, Calif.
10
Adele Benny
OF
L/R
Jr.
Bee Cave, Texas
11
Carrie Dose
P/1B/3B
R/R
So.
Eugene, Ore.
12
Jewel Fleckenstein
UT
R/R
Sr.
Wasilla, Alaska
14
Kyrstin Calleja
OF
R/R
So.
Gilbert, Ariz.
15
Cassie Cosler
1B
R/R
Sr.
Albany, Ore.
16
Kenna Davis
3B/SS/P
R/R
Fr.
Alameda, Calif.
17
Marykate DeLuca
C
R/R
Jr.
San Diego, Calif.
18
Kelsey Wong
UT
R/R
Sr.
Honolulu, Hawaii
19
Cora Erickson
20
Alicia Goetz
21
Sophia Lucio
22
Brianna Majors
23
Kendra Knapp
OF
24
Faith Collar
25
Gianna Marchese
55
Alexandra Richards
OF
C
L/L
So.
Issaquah, Wash.
2B/OF
R/R
Jr.
Poulsbo, Wash.
OF
L/R
So.
Martinez, Calif.
SS/2B
L/R
Jr.
San Diego, Calif.
R/R
Jr.
Portland, Ore.
P/UT
R/R
Fy.
Portland, Ore.
3B/1B
R/R
Sr.
Seattle, Wash.
L/R
Fr.
Bellevue, Wash.
HEAD COACH: Paige Hall (third year) ASSISTANT COACHES: Tommy Riedman, Paige Martin, Jennette Buchert
STAT CHECK THE WILDCATS
THE BEARCATS
TEAM STATISTICS Runs Per Game: 7.75 Runs Allowed Per Game: 4.75 Batting Average: .371 ERA: 5.04
TEAM STATISTICS Runs Per Game: 4.2 Runs Allowed Per Game: 4.4 Batting Average: .209 ERA: 3.00
INDIVIDUAL LEADERS Batting Average: Katrina Johns, Kaili Saathoff (.545) Hits: Kamryn Mobley, Katie Phillips (7) Runs: Kamryn Mobley, Claire Seats (5) RBI: Katrina Johns (9) Doubles: Katrina Johns (3) ERA: Tayah Kelley (0.58) Strikeouts: Tayah Kelley (10)
INDIVIDUAL LEADERS Batting Average: Carrie Dose (.333) Hits: Brianna Majors (5) Runs: Mia Lund (6) RBI: Kelsey Wong (4) Doubles: Brianna Majors (2) ERA: Shaye Mott (0.00) Strikeouts: Jordyn Johnson (7)
february 26-27, 2022
THE HOME TEAM
Linfield wildcats NO. NAME
POS.
B/T
YR./EL
HOMETOWN
1
Jenna Wong
SS/2B
R/R
Fr./Fr.
Kahaluu, Hawaii
2
Tayah Kelley
P
R/R
Jr./So.
Myrtle Creek, Ore.
3
Tiani Wayton
OF
R/R
Fr./Fr.
Kailua, Hawaii
4
Baily Paul
OF
L/R
Sr./Jr.
Gig Harbor, Wash.
OF
R/R
Fr./Fr.
Seattle, Wash.
5/34 Claire Seats
GETTING TO KNOW
chloe mcdaniel
6
Abi Proffitt
1B
R/R
Sr./Jr.
Lake Tapps, Wash.
7
Leah Walborn
OF
R/R
So./Fr.
Boise, Idaho
8
Jacey Leyvas
1B/3B
R/R
Fr./Fr.
Redlands, Calif.
9
Brynn Nelson
2B
R/R
Fr./Fr.
Bonney Lake, Wash.
10
Brianna Loza
3B
R/R
Fr./Fr.
Hillsboro, Ore.
11
Chloe McDaniel
OF
L/R
Jr./So.
Battle Ground, Wash.
12
Katrina Johns
SS
R/R
Sr./Jr.
Naches, Wash.
13
Maddie Troutt
C
R/R
Fr./Fr.
The Dalles, Ore.
14
Jordan Bennett
P
R/R
Jr./So.
San Jose, Calif.
15
Sophia vanderSommen OF
R/R
Fr./Fr.
Tigard, Ore.
16
Ashley Sutton
C
R/R
Fr./Fr.
Monroe, Ore.
17
Kaili Saathoff
OF/1B
R/R
Fr./Fr.
Philomath, Ore.
18
Emma Podliska
C/1B
R/R
Jr./So.
Auburn, Wash.
19
Dayla McAuliffe
P
R/R
Fr./Fr.
San Diego, Calif.
20
Kaylee Barnum
3B/1B
R/R
Jr./So.
Westport, Wash.
21
Jenny Ball
OF/2B
R/R
So./Fr.
West Salem, Ore.
22
Haley Gutierrez
2B/3B
R/R
Jr./So.
Hacienda Heights, Calif.
Most listened to song: All Your’n by Tyler Childers right now
23
Serrina Cabral
2B/SS
R/R
Sr./Jr.
Oxnard, Calif.
24
Cheyenne Datan
P
R/R
Sr./Jr.
North Bend, Ore.
Favorite place on campus: Starbucks
25
Tyler Warden
P
R/R
So./Fr.
Monroe, Ore.
26
Savannah Fitzgerald
C
R/R
Jr./Jr.
Twin Falls, Idaho
28
Brooklin Champion
OF
R/R
Fr./Fr.
Boise, Idaho
30
Hailey Wadsworth
P/1B
R/R
Fr./Fr.
Happy Valley, Ore.
33
Kamryn Mobley
3B
R/R
Jr./So.
Aurora, Ore.
35
Katie Phillips
OF
R/R
Sr./Jr.
Tustin, Calif.
HEAD COACH: Jackson Vaughan (21st year) ASSISTANT COACHES: Emily Allen, Amanda Knopf STUDENT COACHES: Ben Baxter, Chris Collins, Blake Rybar
Nickname: Chole - long story! Major: Exercise Science First softball team I played on: Battle Ground Lightning
Favorite movie: The Blind Side Favorite food spot in Mac: 1882 Grille Hobbies: Watching movies, traveling, concerts Favorite sports team: Seattle Seahawks Favorite class: Biology Beach or mountains: Beach Pregame ritual: Starbucks Coffee Celebrity crush: Scott Eastwood
CERTIFIED ATHLETIC TRAINER: Lauren Flood
official publication of the linfield wildcats • golinfieldwildcats.com
GAME TIME
7
MEET THE LINFIELD WILDCATS
JENNA WONG | 1
tayah kelley | 2
tiani wayton | 3
Baily Paul | 4
brynn nelson | 9
brianna loza | 10
chloe mCDANIEL | 11
katrina johns | 12
kaili saathoff | 17
emma podliska | 18
dayla mcauliffe | 19
kaylee barnum | 20
tyler warden | 25
savannah fitzgerald | 26
brooklin champion | 28
hailey wadsworth | 30
Freshman Shortstop/Third Base Kahaluu, Hawaii
Freshman Second Base Bonney Lake, Washington
Freshman Outfielder/First Base Philomath, Oregon
Sophomore Pitcher Monroe, Oregon
8
Junior Pitcher Myrtle Creek, Oregon
Freshman Third Base Hillsboro, Oregon
Junior Catcher/First Base Auburn, Washington
Junior Catcher Twin Falls, Idaho
GAME TIME
february 26-27, 2022
Freshman Outfielder Kailua, Hawaii
Junior Outfielder Battle Ground, Washington
Freshman Pitcher San Diego, California
Freshman Outfielder Boise, Idaho
Senior Outfielder Gig Harbor, Washington
Senior Shortstop Naches Valley, Washington
Junior Third Base/First Base Westport, Washington
Freshman Pitcher Happy Valley, Oregon
MEET THE LINFIELD WILDCATS
claire seats | 5 / 34
Abi proffitt | 6
leah walborn | 7
jacey leyvas | 8
maddie troutt | 13
jordan bennett | 14
Sophia vandersommen | 15
ashley sutton | 16
jenny ball | 21
haley gutierrez | 22
serrina cabral | 23
cheyenne datan | 24
kamryn mobley | 33
katie phillips | 35
Freshman Outfielder Seattle, Washington
Freshman Catcher The Dalles, Oregon
Sophomore Outfield/Second Base West Salem, Oregon
Junior Third Base Aurora, Oregon
Senior First Base Lake Tapps, Washington
Sophomore Pitcher San Jose, California
Junior Second Base/Third Base Hacienda Heights, California
Freshman Outfielder Boise, Idaho
Freshman Outfielder Tigard, Oregon
Senior Second Base/Shortstop Oxnard, California
Freshman First Base/Third Base Redlands, California
Freshman Catcher Monroe, Oregon
Junior Pitcher North Bend, Oregon
Senior Outfielder Tustin, California
official publication of the linfield wildcats • golinfieldwildcats.com
GAME TIME
9
LINFIELD SPORTS NETWORK
fans can now follow the ’Cats on the roku app The Linfield Sports Network brings fans live action of Linfield baseball each week. Fans can watch live play-by-play action of all home games on their desktop computer, tablet or mobile device or smart TV. The LSN also provides audio-only coverage of away contests. The Farnham Electric Pregame Show starts joe stuart 15 minutes prior to each baseball game’s scheduled start time. Broadcasts include a complete postgame wrap-up, with analysis, final statistics and live interviews with players and coaches. McMinnville native Joe Stuart begins his sixth season as the lead baseball play-by-play announcer. A 2020 Linfield graduate, Stuart is the athletic department’s broadcast coordinator, isaac milner managing all aspects of Linfield’s webcasting outreach, while assisting with sports communications and social media needs. Stuart got his start in sports broadcasting with LSN, calling play-by-place for men’s and women’s soccer, basketball, baseball and softball contests. He also served as football sideline reporter for two seasons. Current Linfield men’s tennis player Isaac Milner embarks on his first season of involvement with Linfield baseball broadcasts, and will serve as color analyst and occasional play-by-play voice.
10
GAME TIME
february 26-27, 2022
For the first time, all Linfield Sports Network broadcasts are available on the Roku app, making it possible for fans to watch live and archived games on their home televisions. To access games, go to golinfieldwildcats.com/watch, or download the Roku app on your smart TV.
SUPPORT OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS We Believe
IN CHANGING MORE THAN JUST TIRES.
Helping is something that runs deep within us. And it’s something we’ve stood for since Les Schwab opened his doors in 1952. Doing the Right Thing isn’t just a tagline. It’s our promise to always put you and the community first.
MCMINNVILLE
170 NE HIGHWAY 99W • 503-472-4668
official publication of the linfield wildcats • golinfieldwildcats.com
GAME TIME
11
2022 SEASON OUTLOOK The Linfield softball program has put together a contender year in and year out. Winning a Northwest Conference title is always the expectation while a third Division III national championship is the end goal. The Wildcats went 38-9 during their 2021 campaign and finished a game back of George Fox for the NWC regular season title at 22-6. They won their third straight NWC tournament title to earn the conference’s automatic bid into the NCAA tournament. The Wildcats’ season ended with a 7-5 loss to Piedmont in the Eau Claire Regional. Despite a lot of turnover from last year’s roster, the team’s goals remain the same. The ‘Cats are picked to win it all in the NWC Preseason Coaches Poll and enter the season ranked No. 20 in the NFCA Top 25 rankings.
GETTING UP TO SPEED Roughly half of the roster is made up of newcomers, which includes 13 freshmen. A lot of those freshmen are still getting adjusted to life as a collegiate student-athlete, let alone during a pandemic. They’re getting used to what the game demands at the college level and what a normal week looks like. And it’s not always easy for new players to fathom what exactly they’re playing for and how much every regular season game means. Vaughan wants the team to perform well consistently and not look past anyone in the NWC. “We stubbed our toe at the end of last season,” Vaughan said. “We need to have depth in the pitching staff, and we need to be able to play week to week or we won’t be in contention to win the whole thing at the end of the year.”
The ‘Cats are still a work in progress at a few positions, especially since they need to fill the holes from last year’s graduating class. The Linfield youth is expected to contribute at a high level, but there’s always a big learning curve with freshmen, who are still transitioning into collegiate student-athletes and haven’t played their first official game yet. THE BATTERY The biggest question for the ‘Cats is: What will the pitching staff look like? Junior Tayah Kelley is back in the circle after going 19-4 last season with 17 complete games, 146 strikeouts and a 3.43 earned run average in 142.2 in-nings pitched. A First Team All-NWC selection and a Third Team AllWest Region selection last year, Kelley is set to be the ace, but the ‘Cats are still uncertain about who will replace Maddy Podnar, who went 13-5 with a 2.69 ERA as a senior.
We’re here to keep you moving. If you suffer with knee, hip, shoulder, or other joint pain, Willamette Valley Medical Center can connect you with a healthcare provider who offers treatments and solutions. Don’t make your health wait. Take our free joint pain assessment at WillametteValleyMedical.com/joint To find an orthopedic specialist, call 503.922.6991
New to Yamhill County?
Looking to make a change for the better? Dr. Natalya Ramsey and the friendly staff combine personalized care with the expertise to get to the root of any dental concern.
12
GAME TIME
To learn more visit McMinnvilleORDentist.com or call 503.472.1402 All Linfield faculty, staff and students receive 5% off all services with college ID card.
february 26-27, 2022
2022 SEASON OUTLOOK Junior Jordan Bennett and sophomore Tyler Warden are top returning can-didates while freshmen Dayla McAuliffe and Hailey Wadsworth are also competing for innings. Cheyenne Datan also joins the ‘Cats for her senior season after transferring from Pacific. “They all do some good things,” Vaughan said. “They’ve all had outings where they clearly looked like our No. 2 or No. 3, and then they’ve had outings where they didn’t look quite as strong. The question is, who from that group is going to emerge? Cheyenne at times has looked good. She’s got good velocity and has a good chance at it, but all of those pitchers have done good things at different times.” It’s still to be determined who will be behind the plate for the ‘Cats in 2022. They will need to replace All-West Region catcher Kamryn Apling as well as Sha-kayla Snyder, who was always reliable on defense.
“Right now, Emma Podliska has earned the spot with her experience,” Vaughan said. “She has improved and, hitting wise, has been the most consistent.” Behind the senior Podliska are freshmen Maddie Troutt and Ashley Sutton, both of whom have promise and stood out during preseason practices and scrimmages. “Our conference runs quite a bit, so their ability to control the base paths is a big deal behind the plate,” Vaughan said. “How they continue to do in that fashion will play a big part.” THE REST OF THE FIELD Shortstop Katrina Johns, first baseman Abi Proffitt and outfielders Katie Phillips and Baily Paul anchor the senior position players. Johns, Phillips and Paul earned Second Team All-NWC honors last season while Proffitt was named an honorable mention. Johns and Paul
were also named to the All-West Region third team. All four could return in 2023 as well after receiving an extra year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Johns batted .381 as a junior with 37 runs, 37 RBI, 10 doubles and six home runs. Phillips led the team with a .400 batting average to go with 64 hits and 45 runs. She and Proffitt finished tied for the team lead with 42 RBI. Paul started in 45 games and was third on the team with 40 RBI. Podliska and sophomore utility player Jenny Ball will step into bigger roles this season along with junior third baseman Kamryn Mobley, who started in all 47 games a year ago and batted .287 with a .369 on-base percentage. “There will be some shuffling for sure,” said Vaughan about the starting lineup.
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.
“Our passion is getting you better!”
2025 NE Baker St, Suite A,
McMinnville
(503) 435-1900
www.AndrewPT.com
Voted Best Retirement Community FIVE Years in a Row! Live • Work • Friends • Fun • Volunteer • Exerc�e
www.rockofagesvalleyview.com • Find us on Facebook! Established in 1948 Come join us! Check our website for volunteer and employment opportunities.
See pg. pg. 132 149 for our M.A.I.D.S. See M.A.I.D.S. Services. Services.
Rock of Ages is Not-for-Profit, 501-c-3 and is deemed charitable by both the State and the IRS. Our goal is to serve those needing our services regardless of their ability to pay. For details to financially or otherwise support our Mission please contact Delvin at 503-472-6212.
official publication of the linfield wildcats • golinfieldwildcats.com
GAME TIME
13
WILDCATS IN THE NEWS men’s basketball claims nwc title The Wildcats win their second straight championship, sharing the Northwest Conference crown with Whitworth and PLU For the second time in as many seasons the Linfield Wildcats men’s basketball team is regular-season champions of the Northwest Conference. Winning 99-85 over the Willamette Bearcats on Senior Night last Saturday, Linfield clinched a share of the NWC title with an 18-6 overall record and a 13-3 mark in conference play, becoming co-champions with Whitworth and Pacific Lutheran. It is the first time Linfield has claimed consecutive NWC championships since 1978, when the Wildcats won three straight league titles under legendary coach Ted Wilson. After honoring seniors Dempsey Roggenbuck, Max Lommen and Aaron Baune, the Wildcats faced a tough battle with the Bearcats, a team they had beaten by 43 points earlier this season. Linfield outscored Willamette 21-8 to close the game, stretching its lead out to as many as 16 before ultimately winning 99-85 and cutting down the nets in Ted Wilson Gymnasium. Lommen finished as the leading scorer on the night for the Wildcats, scoring 22 points on 8-for-11 shooting with three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Four other Wildcats finished in double-figures, with Roggenbuck adding 18 points, three rebounds and two blocks, Bryant contributing 16 points with five rebounds and six assists, Dupree scoring 12 points off the bench (10 coming in the second half) with three rebounds and three steals and Carson Bonine scoring 10 points to go with three rebounds and five assists.
30 max lommen Linfield won in virtually every other category of the stat sheet, outscoring Willamette in the paint 60-34, getting 24 bench points to Willamette’s 17 and turning the Bearcats over 15 times, leading to 20 points off turnovers while only giving up the ball eight times themselves, leading to just eight Willamette points off turnovers. Linfield also dished out 23 assists to Willamette’s 16. The win completed a perfect record at home for Linfield during the regular season, going 11-0 in Ted Wilson Gymnasium. It also extended the Wildcats’ winning streak against Willamette to 13 games, going back to Feb. 5, 2016, the longest for either team in the series history.
WOMEN’S SPORTS HISTORY SOUGHT Did you participate in women’s sports while at Linfield? Dr. Laura Kenow, professor in Health, Human Performance, and Athletics, is heading efforts to create a more complete historical record of women’s sports at Linfield. Help is needed from those who participated prior to 1990, but all stories are welcome. Please complete this short survey to share your Linfield women’s sport experiences and help build our historical knowledge. Throughout the spring and fall of ’22 there will be a variety of events celebrating Linfield Women’s Athletics as part of the 50th anniversary of the passing of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. If you have questions about the survey, sharing your story, or the upcoming events, please contact alumni@linfield.edu.
14
GAME TIME
february 26-27, 2022
SUPPORT OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS
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.
www.WillametteOrthopedics.com | (503) 435-4520 official publication of the linfield wildcats • golinfieldwildcats.com
GAME TIME
15
SUPPORT OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS
At Recology Western Oregon, Waste Zero is more than just a catch phrase Glass, paper, aluminum, plastics, cardboard, or whatever recyclables you have WHATBIN.COM makes sorting easy and efficient!
Maximize your recycling and composting efforts at work and at home.
golinfieldwildcats.com 16
GAME TIME
february 26-27, 2022
SPECTATOR PROTOCOLS Linfield University is no longer requiring spectators attending home athletic events to provide proof of vaccinations and is no longer requiring protective masks to be worn during outdoor sports events. The new policy went into effect on February 17. The relaxed policy falls in line with the current outdoor sports spectator policies of many institutions within the Northwest Conference and within the State of Oregon. Linfield’s indoor spectator policy, which requires vaccinations and masks, remains unchanged. This includes not only the winter sports of basketball and swimming, but also indoor tennis matches played inside the Rutschman Field House.
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
official publication of the linfield wildcats • golinfieldwildcats.com
GAME TIME
17
18
GAME TIME
february 26-27, 2022