For the third time this season, and the second time in as many weeks, Linfield ace Karina Paavola (Jr., Kelso, Wash.) has been recognized as the Northwest Conference Softball Pitcher Student-Athlete of the Week, as announced Tuesday following a vote of the league’s sports information directors.

Paavola moved up to No. 9 on the career victories ladder last week, posting a 3-1 record in four appearances against nonconference opponents La Verne, Cal Lutheran and 21st-ranked Chapman. She opened the trip with a one-hit performance in a four-inning start against the Leopards and followed up with back-to-back wins against the Regals the next day.

Against the Panthers, the junior righty held Chapman scoreless through five innings before surrendering three hits and a pair of walks in a close 3-2 loss for the Wildcats. On the week, she registered a 1.34 ERA with 12 strikeouts over 15.2 innings of work.

With a 9-2 record this year, Paavola leads the Northwest Conference in wins and strikeouts (54) and ranks second in earned run average (1.36). She has pitched six complete games, including three shutouts.

A third team NFCA All-American, first team all-West Region and first team all-NWC honoree last season, the junior ranks ninth all-time for career victories in the Wildcat record books with 36.

Linfield, ranked eighth in the most recent American Fastpitch Coaches Association poll, boasts an 18-5 overall record, including 10-2 against league opponents, and owns a two-game lead in the conference standings.

COMING UP: The 'Cats resume conference play Friday with a home doubleheader against Puget Sound. The following day, Linfield plays host to defending national champion Pacific Lutheran in a rematch of last season’s NCAA Division III championship game.