The Lindbergh field hockey team is back this season after a historic 2021, in which they allowed zero goals in open play.

The 2021 Flyers eventually fell in a playoff shootout to Lafayette, but their legacy will show through this season. Coach Andrew Shipp said that success caused the team to have the sixth toughest schedule in the state this season.

“We’ll play a bunch of teams who we have historically never played. All those top echelon, Final Four, Elite Eight teams, we get to play them and I think we can hang with them,” Shipp said. “We’re young, we’re ready and I’d like to see if we can take that next step up.”

Last season’s defense was spearheaded by team captains Jessica Earley, Dot Fife and Loren White, all three of whom graduated. Shipp said he expects some younger players, like sophomore Claire Mueller, to step into their roles this season, but the ultimate question is if the team jells together.

Ava Kinsey, another sophomore, is in her second varsity season and said she is excited for the ramped up schedule.

“I think it will be very good experience playing the higher-up teams. We have such good chemistry together — previous years haven’t been this good,” Kinsey said.

The Flyers open up their season Aug. 29 at home against Edwardsville.​​