Linfield softball began the 2026 campaign last weekend with a trip to California to take on a pair of teams from the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, sweeping both doubleheaders against No. 4 Redland and Pomona-Pitzer. Senior Cydney Hess and junior Tyler McNeley led the Wildcats on both sides of the ball, earning them both Northwest Conference Athletes of the Week.

At the plate, West Linn, Oregon, native Cydney Hess showcased her power, going 5-12 at the plate, including hitting three home runs and driving in nine runs. The senior drove in four runs in game two against No. 4 Redlands, opening with a sacrifice fly and putting the 'Cats on top with a three-run shot in the fifth. Hess was walked three times in the finale against Pomona-Pitzer, but went 1-1 with a solo shot in the second inning.

Inside the circle, senior pitcher Tyler McNeley began her season with a complete game shutout of the Redlands Bulldogs, going seven strong, walking three and sitting down six. The Lakeview, Oregon, native also earned a save in the second game of the Redlands series. McNeley's weekend capped off with a complete game against the Sagehens, allowing one run on three hits, giving up just one extra-base hit for the weekend. 

Catball begins conference play this weekend, taking on the George Fox Bruins in Newberg on Saturday and Sunday for the four-game series.