By STEPHEN GLOVER
For the Call

After losing eight seniors to graduation, the Lindbergh girls softball team is going through a transition year, but still returns some of the best players in the area.

“We have some new faces, so obviously we have a little bit of a transition,” Flyers coach Darin Scott said. “Hopefully we can make a good run like we did last year.”

Leading the way for the Flyers in 2019 will be junior shortstop Samantha Waldron, who was the Suburban Conference Player of the Year and a First Team All-State selection. Last season Waldron belted out a .602 batting average with 19 RBIs.

“Speed is Samantha’s calling card,” Scott said. “She set a state record for going 17 for 17 at the plate. In fact she set four state records last year.”

Another offensive threat this season for Lindbergh is senior catcher Josie Hutcheson, who batted .386 with a team leading eight home runs and 34 RBIs.

“Josie’s actually got a chance to take over the Lindbergh career home run record,” Scott said. “She’s also really solid behind the plate for us.”

Another senior to keep an eye on this season is Maddy Hernandez, who’ll see time in the infield and outfield for the 2019 campaign. In 2018 Hernandez batted .308 with one home run and four RBIs.

Seniors Mya Hutcheson and Megan Neaf will see time in the infield for the Flyers, with Hutcheson also pitching.

Sophomore Morgan Goodrich was voted “Conference Newcomer of the Year” last season and was a first team all-conference selection in the outfield as a freshman. She batted a wicked .488 average with three triples and 23 RBIs.

“I think 2019 is going to be a big year for Morgan,” Scott said. “She had a very good freshman season, but I think she’s really poised to have a breakout year as a sophomore.”

Hayden Cochran will see time in the outfield this season as well as first base for the Flyers. The sophomore multi position specialist was also potent at the plate with a .351 batting average with one home run and 19 RBIs.