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Softball swats down Bruins to stay at number one spot

Posted by :jprokop On : April 8, 2013
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Tyson Takeuchi/Senior photographer Sophomore outfielder Grace Middelstadt slides safely into second in the top of the first inning in game two where the Linfield Wildcats topped George Fox 8-6. The Wildcats swept the two-day doubleheaders.

Tyson Takeuchi/Senior photographer
Sophomore outfielder Grace Middelstadt slides safely into second in the top of the first inning in game two where the Linfield Wildcats topped George Fox 8-6. The Wildcats swept the two-day doubleheaders.

Catball secured its No. 1 conference ranking after sweeping two doubleheaders against George Fox University on April 6 and 7.

On April 7, the Wildcat softball team won game one 12-3 and game two 8-6. The results closely resembled the games from the day prior.

In game one, the Wildcats  started with four runs scored in the first inning. Junior Haylie Watson and sophomore Lisa Yamamoto both scored home runs, giving the Wildcats a 9-1 lead, and the Bruins never caught up.

Junior Ashley Garcia helped drive in four runs and scored two herself for the Wildcats.

Junior Karina Paavola with  the assistance of freshman reliever Maddy Dunn only allowed the Bruins to have four hits and giving Paavola a 16-2 record.

In game two, the Wildcats remained down until the sixth inning, where they upset the Bruins by scoring six runs in the seventh inning.

Sophomore Erin Carson hit her first career homer, bringing in the two game-winning runs for the Wildcats. Yamamoto also hit a three-run home run.

On April 6, Catball won its first game 11-0 and second game 9-8. Junior Karina Paavola added two additional wins to her record this season, making it 26-5 and 18-2.

In game one, the Wildcats had a four-run lead by the end of the first. By the end of the second, Linfield secured a dominant nine-run lead against the Bruins.

After striking out five batters with no runs or walks, Paavola was switched with sophomore reliever Montana McNealy to secure the win for the Wildcats.

Prestianni and Garcia both hit a pair of doubles in the first and second innings. With senior outfielder Megan Wallo and Carson hitting two singles.

In game two, Yamamoto hit a two-run home run, giving the Wildcats a 3-2 lead in the fourth, answering to the Bruins who had a 2-1 lead following the first. The Bruins responded with two runs in the fifth.

During the sixth, Prestianni hit a homer to trigger the Wildcats to score three runs. George Fox’s offense responded with a home run of its own plus additional runs, giving the Bruins an 8-6 lead.

In the seventh, the Wildcats started off with a single by sophomore Grace Middlestadt, followed by another from Wallo. A double from Garcia, drew in two runs. A single from Carson allowed the Wildcats to make their last run, securing the win.

The Wildcats will next face Willamette University at 5:30 p.m. April 10 in the Del Smith Stadium. This will be their last home game for the regular season.

Ivanna Tucker/ Sports Editor

Ivanna Tucker can be reached at linfieldreviewsports@gmail.com

Wildcats take down Pacific Boxers during weekend, win series

Posted by :jprokop On : March 21, 2013
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Linfield softball had a successful weekend, taking down both Pacific University and Lewis and Clark College in doubleheaders March 16 and 17.

In the games against Pacific University, the Wildcats won the first game 1-0 and second game 10-2.

During game one, junior Karina Paavola pitched a complete game, earning her sixth win of the season.

The sole run of the game was scored by freshman outfielder Kristen Vroom, who scored from second because of a fielding error caused by a ground ball from junior Katy Brosig.

Pitching and defense kept the offenses in check, holding both teams to multiple innings without runs or hits. Each team had one error.

In the second game, the Wildcats offense outpowered the Pioneers by a score of 10-1.

Junior Shelby VandeBergh pitched four solid innings, allowing one run, two strikeouts and three hits.

The Wildcats came out firing, scoring two runs in the first by sophomores Grace Middelstadt and Lisa Yamamoto.

In the second inning, Catball tripled the score with four more runs. Yamamoto hit a two-run home run during her second plate appearance, scoring senior Megan Wallo.

A sac bunt from senior Karleigh Prestianni in the fourth inning sent Middelstadt straight to home, giving the Wildcats their seventh run of the game.

In the sixth, sophomore Montana McNealy hit a home run, scoring the last run of the game and securing the Wildcats’ victory.

Due to high chances of rain in the weather forecast, the Wildcats moved their doubleheader to start at 10:30 a.m. against Lewis & Clark College on March 16.

Even with the rain, the Wildcats blasted six home runs throughout the afternoon, moving themselves into first place in the conference standings.

In game one, the Wildcats slammed the Pioneers 11-1.

Prestianni and junior Ashley Garcia hit two home runs, keeping the Wildcats’ lead against the Pioneers.

Prestianni’s homer in the second allowed Catball to score three more runs. The Wildcats had 11 hits throughout the game. The Pioneers were only able to have three off of Paavola.

Paavola had a no-hitter going through the first four innings, but the Pioneers disrupted Paavola’s dominance in the fifth with a single. Two singles later, the Pioneers scored, ending the shutout for Paavola.

In game two, the Wildcats beat the Pioneers in shutout fashion, 15-0.

VandeBergh pitched her first career no hitter, and retired all batters except for the leadoff batter, which she hit.

Junior Haylie Watson and Yamamoto both hit two home runs each in the first three innings of the game.

By the end of the first inning, the Wildcats had secured a solid lead with seven runs.

The Pioneers remained hitless, while the Wildcats raked in a total of 14 hits, with the help of two errors.

Brosig also had two hits during the game.

Yamamoto had six RBI and went three for three, scoring three runs for Catball.

The Wildcats will next face La Verne College in a doubleheader during their visit to Southern California at 2 p.m. March 20.

Ivanna Tucker

Sports editor

 Ivanna Tucker can be reached at

linfieldreviewsports@gmail.com.

 

Softball fumbles in first preseason games

Posted by :jprokop On : March 10, 2013
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Sophomore catcher McKenna Spieth receives a pitch during the game against Whitworth University on Feb. 24. Spieth had four hits and caught one runner stealing during the course of the weekend. The Wildcats split a four-game series against Whitworth. The ’Cats next games are at home against Pacific University at noon March 2. Tyson Takeuchi/Senior photographer

Sophomore catcher McKenna Spieth receives a pitch during the game against Whitworth University on Feb. 24. Spieth had four hits and caught one runner stealing during the course of the weekend. The Wildcats split a four-game series against Whitworth. The ’Cats next games are at home against Pacific University at noon March 2.
Tyson Takeuchi/Senior photographer

The Wildcats’ softball season started Feb. 23 and 24, splitting a four game series against the Whitworth University Pirates.

The second double header of the series took place Feb. 24.

The first game started out well for the Wildcats. After a scoreless top of the first, the ’Cats went to work.

After two outs, senior all-American third baseman, Karleigh Prestianni walked. Sophomore designated player Lisa Yamamoto followed with a walk, which brought up junior shortstop Katy Brosig. Brosig doubled driving in Prestianni, putting Catball ahead of the Pirates 1-0.

The ’Cats would not look back, as they scored three more runs in the third. After Whitworth scored three runs at top of the fourth, the Wildcats responded with 11 runs in the bottom half of the inning, sealing the game, which was ended after five innings of play.

The second game of the day was a nail biter. After falling behind 7-1 through five and a half innings, the ’Cats made their comeback. With four singles, a hit batter and a double from Brosig, the ’Cats were able to cut the lead down to a one-run ball game 7-6.

After a scoreless top of the seventh, Linfield had one last opportunity to tie the Pirates. With two outs, sophomore outfielder Chelan Guischer doubled to centerfield. With Guischer in scoring position, sophomore outfielder Grace Middelstadt grounded out to third, ending the game in a 6-7 loss.

The previous day produced two extra inning thrillers. In the first game, Whitworth jumped out to an early 4-1 lead before the Wildcats responded with two in the bottom of the third.

Whitworth tacked on one run in the top of the fifth, but Catball came right back with two in the bottom of the sixth to make the score 5-5.

In the top of the seventh, the ’Cats brought in junior pitcher Shelby VandeBerg to close. With two outs and two on, an error by junior first baseman Haylie Watson allowed one run to score, giving the Pirates a lead 6-5.

Catball would not fold, though. In the bottom half of the inning, with two outs, the Whitworth first baseman made an error on a ball hit by senior outfielder Megan Wallo. The error allowed sophomore catcher McKenna Spieth to score, and tie the game 6-6.

The eighth and top of the ninth innings went by without any scoring, but in the bottom of the ninth, Yamamoto ended the game in one swing, blasting a ball over the centerfield fence, ending the game 7-6.

The final game Feb. 23 was a 15-inning battle that featured nine pitchers and 32 hits.

With the game knotted up at six a piece in the top of the 15th, Whitworth center fielder Caylan Haehl singled. A passed ball by Spieth and a sacrifice bunt by Whitworth catcher Sacha Clow left Haehl on third with one out. Left fielder Riley Fritz flew out to left field, scoring Haehl.

The Wildcats were unable to get a runner on base in the bottom of the 15th, ending the game 7-6 in favor of Whitworth.

Prestianni hit 6-13 on the weekend with one home run, two doubles and three runs batted in. VandeBerg led the way for the pitching staff with 14 and a third innings pitched, allowing nine earned runs on 18 hits and 12 strikeouts.

“I think this weekend showed that we are going to have to fight for every win this season,” VandeBerg said. “As we get ready for next weekend, we just need to learn from our mistakes and keep making adjustments.”

The ’Cats play two games against the Pacific University Boxers on March 2, before heading up to Portland to face off against the Lewis & Clark University Pioneers on March 3.

Chris Haddeland/ Senior reporter

Chris Haddeland can be reached at linfieldreviewsports@gmail.com

Wildcat softball sweeps weekend

Posted by :jprokop On : March 10, 2013
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Catball gained the top spot in the conference standings after sweeping Pacific University and Lewis and Clark University.

On March 3, the Wildcats faced Lewis and Clark in a doubleheader, winning the first game 8-0 and the second 6-0.

Junior shortstop Katy Brosig swings at a pitch during the doubleheader against Pacific University. Brosig is batting .333 through the Wildcats’ first eight games. Tyson Takeuchi/Senior photographer

Junior shortstop Katy Brosig swings at a pitch during the doubleheader against Pacific University. Brosig is batting .333 through the Wildcats’ first eight games.
Tyson Takeuchi/Senior photographer

Juniors Karina Paavola and Shelby VandeBergh both made appearances on the mound with shut out performances.

Paavola was selected as an All- American returning.

Sophomore outfielder Grace Middelstadt scored the first run for the Wildcats after a groundout to short by senior third basemen Karleigh Prestianni.

The Pioneers were only allowed one hit under Paavola and reliever freshman Maddy Dunn.

The Wildcats scored in every inning except for the fourth. Junior Ashley Garcia went two for three with one RBI and two runs scored.

In game two, junior Haylie Watson hit a homerun for the Wildcats, while Middelstadt had a pair of hits and two stolen bases.

VandeBergh and reliever sophomore Montana McNealy struck out 11, seven of which came from McNealy, who did not allow a hit or walk during her three-inning appearance.

On March 2, the Wildcats started their weekend sweep with a doubleheader against Pacific, winning the first game 3-0 and second game 9-1.

In the first game, Paavola allowed two hits and struck out 10 Boxers.

During the second inning, the Boxers tested the Wildcats’ defense.

After two walks and a single, the bases were loaded with one out left. Paavola kept her composure, striking out one for the second out, and then forcing a Boxer to pop out, ending the inning.

The Wildcats scored their lone three runs in the third inning, leading them to their first victory of the weekend.

In the second game, a power performance was displayed with a two-run homerun from Catball’s Garcia and a solo homerun by Boxer centerfielder Becca Moen.

The VandeBergh and McNealy match-up held the Boxers to four hits and one run.

The Boxers had one error in the third.

The Wildcats will compete next in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Leadoff Classic. They will first face Ithaca College on March 8.

 

Ivanna Tucker/ Sports editor

Ivanna Tucker can be reached at linfieldreviewsports@gmail.com.

Softball fumbles in first preseason games

Posted by :jprokop On : March 1, 2013
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Sophomore catcher McKenna Spieth receives a pitch during the game against Whitworth University on Feb. 24. Spieth had four hits and caught one runner stealing during the course of the weekend. The Wildcats split a four-game series against Whitworth. The ’Cats next games are at home against Pacific University at noon March 2. Tyson Takeuchi/Senior photographer

Sophomore catcher McKenna Spieth receives a pitch during the game against Whitworth University on Feb. 24. Spieth had four hits and caught one runner stealing during the course of the weekend. The Wildcats split a four-game series against Whitworth. The ’Cats next games are at home against Pacific University at noon March 2.
Tyson Takeuchi/Senior photographer

The Wildcats’ softball season started Feb. 23 and 24, splitting a four game series against the Whitworth University Pirates.

The second double header of the series took place Feb. 24.

The first game started out well for the Wildcats. After a scoreless top of the first, the ’Cats went to work.

After two outs, senior all-American third baseman, Karleigh Prestianni walked. Sophomore designated player Lisa Yamamoto followed with a walk, which brought up junior shortstop Katy Brosig. Brosig doubled driving in Prestianni, putting Catball ahead of the Pirates 1-0.

The ’Cats would not look back, as they scored three more runs in the third. After Whitworth scored three runs at top of the fourth, the Wildcats responded with 11 runs in the bottom half of the inning, sealing the game, which was ended after five innings of play.

The second game of the day was a nail biter. After falling behind 7-1 through five and a half innings, the ’Cats made their comeback. With four singles, a hit batter and a double from Brosig, the ’Cats were able to cut the lead down to a one-run ball game 7-6.

After a scoreless top of the seventh, Linfield had one last opportunity to tie the Pirates. With two outs, sophomore outfielder Chelan Guischer doubled to centerfield. With Guischer in scoring position, sophomore outfielder Grace Middelstadt grounded out to third, ending the game in a 6-7 loss.

The previous day produced two extra inning thrillers. In the first game, Whitworth jumped out to an early 4-1 lead before the Wildcats responded with two in the bottom of the third.

Whitworth tacked on one run in the top of the fifth, but Catball came right back with two in the bottom of the sixth to make the score 5-5.

In the top of the seventh, the ’Cats brought in junior pitcher Shelby VandeBerg to close. With two outs and two on, an error by junior first baseman Haylie Watson allowed one run to score, giving the Pirates a lead 6-5.

Catball would not fold, though. In the bottom half of the inning, with two outs, the Whitworth first baseman made an error on a ball hit by senior outfielder Megan Wallo. The error allowed sophomore catcher McKenna Spieth to score, and tie the game 6-6.

The eighth and top of the ninth innings went by without any scoring, but in the bottom of the ninth, Yamamoto ended the game in one swing, blasting a ball over the centerfield fence, ending the game 7-6.

The final game Feb. 23 was a 15-inning battle that featured nine pitchers and 32 hits.

With the game knotted up at six a piece in the top of the 15th, Whitworth center fielder Caylan Haehl singled. A passed ball by Spieth and a sacrifice bunt by Whitworth catcher Sacha Clow left Haehl on third with one out. Left fielder Riley Fritz flew out to left field, scoring Haehl.

The Wildcats were unable to get a runner on base in the bottom of the 15th, ending the game 7-6 in favor of Whitworth.
Prestianni hit 6-13 on the weekend with one home run, two doubles and three runs batted in. VandeBerg led the way for the pitching staff with 14 and a third innings pitched, allowing nine earned runs on 18 hits and 12 strikeouts.

“I think this weekend showed that we are going to have to fight for every win this season,” VandeBerg said. “As we get ready for next weekend, we just need to learn from our mistakes and keep making adjustments.”

The ’Cats play two games against the Pacific University Boxers on March 2, before heading up to Portland to face off against the Lewis & Clark University Pioneers on March 3.

Chris Haddeland
Senior reporter

Chris Haddeland can be reached at linfieldreviewsports@gmail.com

Sophomore catcher McKenna Spieth receives a pitch during the game against Whitworth University on Feb. 24. Spieth had four hits and caught one runner stealing during the course of the weekend. The Wildcats split a four-game series against Whitworth. The ’Cats next games are at home against Pacific University at noon March 2.

Tyson Takeuchi/Senior photographer

Doucette receives athlete of the year honors at Oregon Sports Awards

Posted by :jprokop On : February 28, 2013
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She has the highest batting average, highest slugging percentage, highest on base percentage, has started the most games, holds the record for the most home runs and is tied for most games played among numerous other Linfield softball records. Can you guess which 2012 graduate holds these records? If you answered Staci Doucette, you were correct.

Linfield alum Staci Doucette was recognized for her outstanding accomplishments, while playing at Linfield College. She was awarded the Ad Rutchman Small-College Athlete of the Year Award on Feb. 10 at the Tiger Woods Center on the Nike World Headquarters in Beaverton, Ore.

Keisha Gordon, a basketball player at George Fox University and Junia Limage, a runner at Concordia University were the other nominees for the female Athlete of the Year category.

Doucette knocked the other nominees out of the park as Jay Locey, former head coach of Linfield football (1996-2005) and current Oregon State University chief of staff, announced her as the winner.

“It was truly an honor to win the award, and to even be mentioned with some of the other nominees and award winners of the evening,” Doucette said.

She was a standout among the other athletes at the 61st Oregon Sports Award ceremony. Some of her career accolades include 73 home runs, 259 RBIs later and four-time All American.

She was happy to celebrate her accomplishments with her family at the Oregon Sports Awards. Softball has always been a big part of her life, and she has her parents to thank for that. Both of her parents played slow pitch when they were younger, so Doucette has been around the game since she was very little. Her parents rarely missed her games.
She is also grateful for the support she has received from her coaches and teammates through the years. Her coaches pushed her to think about her swing mechanics and game strategies.

“I’ve had some pretty amazing coaches, namely my summer ball coach, Tom Bequette,” she said. “Obviously, [Coach] Jackson was a huge influence, as well. Also, my Linfield teammates did a great job of pushing me, and the rest of the team, to work hard every single day.”

One of her greatest contributions to the Linfield softball program was her positive leadership. She led Catball to a second place finish at the National Tournament.

“The atmosphere of Linfield softball is amazing,” she said. “The Catball philosophy has always been to do things right, not only on the field but off of it as well. We have very high standards for ourselves, and we’re often our harshest critics. Seeing how hard everybody works every single day is pretty amazing.”

As Doucette has transitioned from a college athlete to a college graduate, she has continued to commit herself to Linfield softball. Since her move to McMinnville in December, she has been serving as the assistant coach for her former Catball teammates.

“I think softball will definitely always be apart of my life,” Doucette said. “I expect to coach for quite awhile. I’m definitely going to take some time off from playing for now, but I wouldn’t be surprised if I pick it up again in a few years.”

Doucette feels honored to be apart of the Linfield softball tradition and is thankful for her family, coaches and teammates.

“I couldn’t have done any of this without my teammates, so thanks you guys.”

Sarah Mason
Staff writer

Sarah Mason can be reached at linfieldreviewsports@linfield.edu

Wildcats pounce through tournament

Posted by :jprokop On : May 15, 2012
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Freshman Grace Middelstadt gives senior Staci Doucette a high five after hitting a single and failed attempt at stealing second against Benedictine on May 10. The first game set the tone for the rest of the tournament. Photo courtesy of Kelly Bird

After three games in the NCAA Division III Regional Tournament, the softball team enters the championship round with complete domination.

In the third game on May 12 versus Illinois Wesleyan University, the Wildcats kept the Titans from scoring. The first hit made by Titans outfielder Audra James, who singled to third base, but was quickly tagged out while trying to steal to second base.

The first three innings remained tight as both of the top teams made no runs.

During the third inning, three runs were scored by freshmen Grace Middelstadt and Kate Hasty and a home run from senior catcher Emilee Lepp.

No more runs were scored throughout the remainder of the game. The Wildcat defense remained strong allowing only at most one hit per inning for the Titans.

Senior Lauren Harvey allowed three hits during her four innings and sophomore Karina Paavola had one during the three innings she pitched.

The Wildcats took home the win with a score of 3-0, leading them to enter the winner’s bracket.

The second game against the Anderson University Ravens was the biggest shut out of the tournament. The Ravens entered with a 33-11 record, while Linfield had a record of 40-5. Within the first inning, the Wildcats scored six runs with the Ravens’ starter pitcher having to be relieved after five hits and five runs were scored while on the mound.

Throughout the game, the Ravens had difficulty  hitting against the all-star pitcher Paavola. They were only able to gain three in comparison to Linfield’s 12 hits.

The Wildcats made two errors during the last inning, allowing the Ravens to load the bases. Paavola ended it quickly as she struck out the next two batters with her powerful pitches. The game ended with the score 8-0, allowing them to enter the next round.

The first shut out of the tournament against Benedictine gave the Wildcats a great start for the tournament.

No runs were gained during the first two innings. One ground ball was hit by the Eagles’ sophomore outfielder Kelly Mieszala. Another hit was made by their senior outfielder Laura Christenson in the top of the third.

When Linfield came up to bat, senior Jaydee Baxter, Middelstadt, and Lepp scored the three game-winning runs. Two of the runs were brought in by a successful double hit by senior Staci Doucette.

Harvey pitched a strong seven innings with only five hits made by the Eagles. Linfield brought in its first win with a score of 3-0.

The Wildcats are now placed in the champion bracket against the Illinois Wesleyan to defend their title as NCAA Division III Regional champions.

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Ivanna Tucker/Sports editor
Ivanna Tucker can be reached   at linfieldreviewsports@gmail.com.

 

 

Mental toughness will make or break softball

Posted by :jprokop On : April 23, 2012
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I hate to say I told you so. I really do. But unfortunately, Pacific Lutheran handed the Linfield softball team two more home losses and broke an eight-year streak of Northwest Conference titles. In both cases, PLU’s pitching unit was just too much for the ’Cats to overcome. Just as I wrote about last week, we seem to be unable to beat them at home.

I was informed of the first defeat Saturday night by a friend of mine, Walt Haight, husband of Linfield professor Dawn Graff-Haight. I shook my head, saying, Well, I guess I’ve got my column for tomorrow. PLU has just got its number this season. Walt looked at me and, with a grin, asked, why? Why do they have their number? Is it pitching? Hitting? I couldn’t answer. There’s your angle, he told me.

Well Walt, when you’re right you’re right. I looked at the box scores of all three defeats and it took time to find any consistent pattern. In the first PLU loss this season, the Lutes piled it on
early and then late to out-score the ‘Cats. In the second, it took until the seventh-inning for PLU to find a six-run outburst to bury Linfield. This time, two close games came down to the final inning and Catball just couldn’t come from behind a 3-0 deficit late.

I’ll admit that I’m not the best at reading softball box scores, but I did eventually manage to find my answer for Walt. In three losses to PLU before Sunday, the ’Cats were averaging 3.3 errors per game opposed to their overall season average of 0.7. That’s a staggering 2.6 errors more against one opponent! And in the NWC match on Saturday, all three of the Lutes’ runs were scored on Linfield errors.

It’s clear to me now that the answer to Linfield’s PLU struggles is 100 percent in the mind. The Lutes have gotten into Catball’s head and shaken the mental toughness that was so key in last season’s championship run. The grit, the focus, the mental fortitude has been rattled by a pair of come-from-behind home losses to a dangerous team in March.

What I saw from PLU this weekend was swagger. They oozed confidence and looked like they were salivating at a chance to send the ’Cats packing in their own house. It looked familiar; it looked like us last season. And they rode that confidence straight to the house for a 3-1 record against Linfield in the NWC tourney.

Here’s the thing though. Sandwiched between these two heartbreaking PLU losses were two impressive wins. A tough 4-2 victory over Willamette was followed by a cardiac-inducing, come-from-behind thriller over the Lutes in which Catball scored the tying and winning runs on their last out in the bottom of the seventh.

When I got to the field at the bottom of the sixth, you could have heard a pin drop in Del Smith Stadium. It was utterly lifeless in the dugout and stands, at least among those wearing purple. It was the first time I’d ever seen this team truly scared.

But by the end of the game, a complete change had come over the Wildcats. They were scrapping, fighting and struggling with every ounce of their ability. The focus was back. The mental toughness, the grit, was back, and the result was a victory for the ages. Sadly, it didn’t take more than two hours for PLU’s bullpen to pitch it back into submission.

Honestly, this loss doesn’t really matter in the scope of a playoff bid. They may have lost the NWC and this may hurt like hell, but they’re going, and that really hasn’t ever been in question. But if this loaded team with title aspirations wants to hoist the D-III title trophy for a second year in a row, they’re going to need to find that mental toughness and focus from last year and hold onto it for dear life. Catch the seventh inning of Sunday’s first PLU game in a bottle and drink it before every contest. Otherwise, it’s going to be a short post-season for Catball this spring.

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Chris Forrer/Sports columnist
Chris Forrer can be reached at linfieldreviewsports@gmail.com.

Wildcats face crushing losses to PLU Lutes

Posted by :jprokop On : April 23, 2012
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Going into the Northwest Conference Tournament in the No. 1 spot, the Wildcats nearly had a perfect season.

With a record of 34-3, Linfield hosted the NWC Tournament on April 21 and 22 at Del Smith Stadium.

The Wildcats faced off with the NWC No. 2 team three times during the tournament, ultimately falling from the NWC champion spot with two losses to Pacific Lutheran University.

During Linfield and Pacific Lutheran’s first game, the Lutes took an early lead in the second inning when they scored their first run.

The game took a turn for the worse for the Wildcats when sophomore Ashley Garcia hyper-extended her elbow while making a play in the Lutes’ third inning at bat. Junior Bri Brewer stepped in for Garcia, playing second the rest of the tournament

Pacific Lutheran held the lead into the sixth inning, when the Lutes scored another two runs. In retaliation, the Wildcats fought to catch up, scoring one run in their sixth inning  at bat but fell short in the final inning.

In the second game against Pacific Lutheran, Linfield came back from behind in the final inning.

The seventh inning earned the Wildcats three runs, allowing them to pull ahead of Pacific Lutheran’s two runs it earned throughout the game.

Senior Jordan Mixsell scored the first run off a single to left center hit by freshman Lisa Yamamoto. Senior Staci Doucette hit a single, which brought the final two runs scored by fellow senior Emilee Lepp and freshman Grace Middelstadt.

In the Wildcats’ final game against the Lutes, both teams fought hard to gain the lead, but Pacific
Lutheran grabbed it in the first inning scoring two runs.

With strong defense, the Wildcats pushed to stop the Lutes in their tracks, but in the end fell 3-0.

Though the team faced some struggles, the Wildcats still pushed forward.

“Of course with this sport being a game based on failure, we will all struggle individually at some point,” senior Jaydee Baxter said. “We are breaking in some players at new positions and have some young talent. We have always worked hard and strive for excellence everyday. Our struggles seem to motivate us to get better really.”

While the tournament ended in a loss, Linfield earned two wins earlier.

In the first game of the the tournament, the Wildcats faced off with George Fox University, winning 3-0.

The Wildcats also went up against Willamette University. Though the team struggled at first, it pulled ahead against the Bearcats in the end.

During the final inning, the Wildcats scored three runs, resulting in a 4-2 win.

While the team lost its reign over the NWC, it improved from last season.

“Last year we all played great at the same time, and when a team has almost every player on their game it is hard to beat them,” Garcia said. “This year we have all had our struggles, and we have had to learn how to take it for what it is and keep looking forward.”

Though the team lost the Conference title, Linfield is still likely to receive a bid for the National Collegiate Athletic Association regional competition.

“We should still get an at large bid for the regional tournament because of our record and standing,” sophomore Kim Chase said. “So we are still ready to get back in the game and keep working hard.”

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Kaylyn Peterson/Sports editor
Kaylyn Peterson can be reached at linfieldreviewsports@gmail.com.

Wildcats claim home field advantage for NWC tournament

Posted by :jprokop On : April 16, 2012
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Facing their last opponents of the season before the Northwest Conference tournament, the Wildcats captured the No. 1 spot in the conference after winning three of the four games against Willamette University on April 14 and 15.

The Wildcats took the field knowing that any more losses would put them at jeopardy of losing the home field advantage for the NWC tournament. For the first game of the day, Linfield started out behind the Bearcats, when they scored their first run during the second inning. Coming back, the Wildcats scored three runs during the fourth inning. Senior Staci Doucette hit a home run, allowing herself and fellow senior Emilee Lepp to score. Freshman Kate Hasty also scored off a throwing error made by Willamette’s catcher.

Linfield scored its final two runs of the game during the seventh inning. Doucette hit a second home run, and junior Karleigh Prestianni was able to score off a single hit by sophomore Katy Brosig.

Willamette made a final attempt to catch up, but only managed to score two more runs, ending the game 5-3.

Starting their final game of the day, the Wildcats scored the first three runs of the game in the second inning. All three runs were scored off a home run hit by Brosig. During the third inning, Prestianni hit a double putting freshman Grace Middelstadt in scoring position, and Linfield scored its fourth run. Scoring Linfield’s final run was Lepp, who scored off a single hit by Doucette in the fifth inning.

The Wildcats held off the Bearcats for the rest off the game, allowing Linfield to win 5-2.

Linfield had the home field advantage when facing Willamette for the first double header of the weekend. Losing the first game against the Bearcats, 2-0, the Wildcats came back and won the second game, 8-0.

With this weekend’s wins, Linfield remains in the No. 1 spot for the Northwest Conference. The Wildcats will host the Northwest Conference tournament April 21 and 22.

“Once the Conference tournament starts, we have to forget about everything that happened earlier this season because none of that matters anymore,” sophomore Ashley Garcia said. “What matters is taking the tournament.”

While the team had hoped for no losses this season, senior Jaydee Baxter said that the team feels good about the upcoming NWC tournament.

“We didn’t want to lose any games, but it’s nice going in being the first place team, having home field advantage and being the number one seeded team,” Baxter said.

With the seniors all playing their last conference game before the NWC tournament, Baxter passes on advice for younger players based on her own experience.

“We work hard and we have really long practices,” Baxter said. “Jackson expects a lot from us, and so just having the mentality of working hard and doing your best to win games and doing things right really helps.”

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Kaylyn Peterson/Sports editor
Kaylyn Peterson can be  reached at linfieldreviewsports@gmail.com.