Molalla Pioneer

By Tim Lane
Molalla Pioneer

At the beginning of the Linfield College softball season freshman Jessica Popiel knew that her new team was good—she just didn’t realize how good.

“We always knew that we were probably one of the best teams in the country, but I don’t think that we realized that we were the best team in the country,” Popiel said.

The Linfield Wildcats (37-11 overall, 22-6 conference) won the NCAA Division III softball title with a 10-2 win over Washington-St. Louis on May 22 at the Moyer Sports Complex in Salem, Va. It was the first women’s national team title in school history and Popiel was an intricate part of the success throughout the season.

“It is pretty surreal,” Popiel said. “I don’t think that it has all sunken in yet. I think that when we start getting stuff like our championship rings then it will feel more real. It is not overwhelming now, not yet.”

For full story, please see Saturday's Molalla Pioneer