Linfield softball players Jaydee Baxter and Karleigh Prestianni (Sr., Grants Pass, Ore.) have earned distinction for their scholarly achievement and athletic attainment by being named to the CoSIDA/Capital One Division III Academic All-District 8 Softball Team.

Both Wildcats are enjoying success on the softball diamond and in the classroom.

Baxter, an exercise science major with a 3.83 grade point average, was named to the all-district team for a second straight year. A two-year starter in center field, Baxter is hitting a career-high .385 this spring with a team-best 13 doubles and four home runs. She has also stolen 11 bases and compiled a spotless 1.000 fielding percentage in 57 defensive opportunities.

Prestianni, a finance major with a 3.50 GPA, received her first academic honor. Starting all 43 games at third base, the two-time All-American is batting .424 with 11 doubles, two triples and eight home runs. Her 39 RBI ranks third on a team.

Including the two Linfield players, the Northwest Conference placed five players on the all-academic team.

The all-District 8 team, selected by members of the College Sports Information Directors of America, was chosen from a pool of nominees from Division III colleges and universities in Washington, Oregon, California, Texas and Louisiana.

As first team all-district selections, Baxter and Prestianni are automatically under consideration for the Academic All-America team, which will be voted on and announced later this month.