Top 5 D3 Sports News stories of the past two weeks

Jonathan Williams, News editor

1.Linfield continuing a legacy

After beating Whitworth University on Oct. 18 the Linfield Wildcats secured their 59th winning season. This is the longest held record by any football team at any collegiate level. They look to continue their undefeated season on Saturday Oct. 25 in Portland against Lewis and Clark College at 1 p.m.

2. PLU & Whitworth tied for 1st

Pacific Lutheran University volleyball is ranked first in west regional division III volleyball rankings. The Linfield Wildcats volleyball team beat the Lutes on Sept. 27 and face them again on Oct. 25 in Tacoma, Washington. The Wildcats look to move from their fourth place spot to the top three. Whitworth is currently the closest contender to take the first place spot.

3. PLU & PSU battle for first

In regional rankings for the west, the Linfield women’s soccer team is placed fourth behind the Lewis & Clark, which is ranked third in the region. Puget Sound University is currently ranked number one in the Northwest Conference, but Pacific Lutheran University is contesting the first place spot only being one game behind Puget Sound University.

4. NCAA history in the making

Willamette University’s sophomore Conner Mertens is the first football player at any level in college to come out as being bisexual while still playing. Mertens has been having a successful season with the Bearcats as their kicker. The first openly gay player was Chip Sarafin from Arizona State University.

5. Linfield’s great honor

Chris Haddeland was announced at the Homecoming football game at Maxwell Field as the American Baseball Coaches Association’s Player of the Year. The ABCA selects players from all of division III baseball for the award. Baseball is looking toward another great conference season and are looking to redeem themselves for the early postseason exit.