Linfield softball pitcher Tayah Kelley was named the season's first Wilson/NFCA Division III Pitcher of the Week in a release announced on Tuesday morning. Kelley's efforts in the circle helped Linfield to a perfect 4-0 record and ultimately an NFCA Leadoff Classic tournament win in Columbus, Ga., this past week.
 
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 NFCA award in the past three days 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 on Saturday when they travel to face Whitworth for a doubleheader starting at noon.