Labonte wins second straight WCC Freshman of the Week honour

Okotoks Dawgs Academy alum and Portland Pilots freshman pitcher Will Labonte (Montreal, Que.) earned his second straight WCC Freshman of the Week honour after a stellar start against the Seattle U Redhawks. Photo: Portland Pilots Athletics

April 6, 2026

Official University of Portland Athletics Release

SAN BRUNO, Calif. – Portland Pilots freshman pitcher Will Labonte earned his second straight WCC Freshman of the Week honour after a stellar start against the Seattle U Redhawks.

It's the fourth time a Pilot has earned WCC Player of the Week honours this season.

Labonte (Montreal, Que.) started and pitched well in Portland's lone win of the weekend against Seattle U. Labonte went six innings for the Pilots, matching a career high, and allowed no runs and just two hits. Labonte struck out six batters as well. It's the fourth time Labonte has allowed no runs in four innings or more.

Labonte has pitched like one of the best freshman in the country. He earned Perfect Game Midseason All-American Second Team honours as well as WCC Freshman of the Week last week after another strong start.

Labonte has gone 3-0 in eight appearances this year, throwing a team-high 42 1/3 innings with a 1.70 ERA and 36 strikeouts. Labonte's ERA leads the conference and ranks 20th in the nation.

Nationally, he ranks second among all freshmen. He's the only WCC player to allow fewer than 10 runs this season.