Pineda Chosen Second Team All-West Region by D3football.com

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University senior inside linebacker Ralph Pineda (Los Angeles, CA/Cathedral HS/San Jose State Univ.) has been named Second Team All-West Region for the 2010 season by D3football.com. Pineda was Willamette's leading tackler this past season with 84 total tackles on 34 solo stops and 50 assists.

Pineda, who transferred to Willamette from San Jose State University prior to his junior season, was chosen for the All-West Region team during both of his years with the Bearcats. He was selected First Team All-West Region and Third Team All-America by D3football.com in 2009. The complete 2010 All-West Region Team was released on December 9.

In his two seasons at Willamette, Pineda played in all 20 games and achieved 165 career tackles, as he earned a total of 65 unassisted tackles and 100 assists. He also achieved career totals of 12.5 tackles for losses (50 yards lost), 5.0 quarterback sacks (35 yards lost), five interceptions, four pass break-ups, four forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries.

As a junior in 2009, he registered 31 solo tackles and 50 assists for 81 total tackles. He earned 5.5 tackles for losses (21 yards) and 3.0 sacks (16 yards), while forcing three fumbles and recovering three fumbles. Against Whitworth University on Oct. 3, 2009, he forced a fumble and scored a touchdown on a 14-yard recovery run on the same play.

This season, Pineda's 84 tackles included 7.0 tackles for losses (29 yards) and 2.0 sacks (19 yards). He tied for second on the team with three interceptions which he returned a total of 79 yards. He also broke up two passes, recovered one fumble and forced one fumble.

Pineda always seemed to be around the ball, as he recorded his share of memorable and significant tackles for the Bearcats. He achieved a career-high 17 tackles against Hardin-Simmons University on Sept. 11, 2010. He earned 10 or more tackles nine times during his two seasons at Willamette.