With a talented group returning and three freshmen starting, the Lindbergh girls soccer team is looking to maintain a spot near the top of the Seamount League.

“So far, we’re better than I thought we’d be, losing seven seniors from last season,” said Lindbergh coach Erik Storkson. “We’ve got a lot of new players and three freshmen starting and I think we’re deeper than we’ve been since I’ve been here.”

Storkson is entering his seventh season with the team and the Eagles have been to the 3A state tournament four times under his tenure. The biggest hole Lindbergh has to fill from graduation is at goalie, where all-Seamount first team member Kenisha Macklin graduated and moved on to play at Portland State.

Despite losing seven seniors, Lindbergh has a strong returning core from last season. Junior Lauren Hunter anchors the team’s defense with her strong play. Storkson said her physical play is a reason why the Eagles could be tough to beat. Also back on defense is senior Shelby Reiter. Hunter and Reiter will need to work early in the season to overcome Lindbergh’s inexperience in the goal.

Senior Sarah Aylward has moved from forward to center midfield this season. “She’s played all over,” Storkson said. “She’s a good, solid soccer player. She’s a key to the team.”

Hunter, Reiter and Aylward were all named to the all-Seamount League first team last season. Lindbergh ties Kennedy for the most returning players from the first team, so experience is obviously a plus for this team.

The Eagles also have two returning all-Seamount second team members in junior defender Kaitlyn Osborn and junior forward Nichole Burnette.

Once you add in the three starting freshmen (forward Jordyn McLeun, midfielder/forward Whitney Hilde and defender Kim Girmus), the Eagles certainly have enough talent to make noise in the Seamount this season.

Up to date:

Lindbergh has started the season 3-0 with wins over Highline, Foster and Renton. The Eagles met Renton at Renton Stadium Sept. 16 and came out on top 9-0.

Freshman Whitney Hilde got Lindbergh on the board with a long, looping shot from the left corner 16 minutes into the game. Forward Nichole Burnette then added two goals within the next five minutes. Jami Kouba, Jordyn McLeun and Amelia Burnatowski added first half goals, as Lindbergh scored six times within an 11-minute period to open a 6-0 lead at the half.

Hilde and McLeun scored again on the second half, and Jade Kruse added the final goal of the game, pushing the score to 9-0.

Other Renton teams at a glance-

Hazen has a strong returner in junior defender Britney Boler. Boler made the all-Seamount first team last season and will be a key to Hazen’s defense this season. Other key returners include all-Seamount second team members Carli Sowder (senior midfielder), Kayla Hackman (sophomore defender) and Mackenzie Simpson (junior defender).

Hazen coach Ritch Gouk said this season “will be a re-building one, but looks very promising.”

Hazen is 2-0 with shutout wins over Highline and Foster.

Other returners: senior midfielder Matilda Burr, senior midfielder Brittany Philio, junior defender Tiana Ellison, junior forward Alex Devereau, senior midfielder Torri Middlekauff and junior midfielder Taylor Hoover.

Renton coach Brian Eaton has his work cut out for him with a program that has just three seniors this season in defender/midfielder Tahleah Tolbert, forward Courtney Yasunaga and midfielder Jessica Prasad. Tolbert stood out against Lindbergh as a physical force on defense and made a number of strong plays clearing the ball and disrupting Lindbergh’s offense. Tolbert made all-Seamount honorable mention last season.

Renton Reporter sports reporter Adam McFadden can be reached at amcfadden@rentonreporter.com or 425-255-3484, ext. 5054.

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