Softball: Big shoes to fill: Hebron finding ways to replace Stearns

For the first time in a long time, Hebron's softball team is taking the field without Heather Stearns.

The Baylor softball player and former Gatorade Texas Player of the Year not only spent nearly every key inning in the circle, but was a fixture at the top of the lineup for the Lady Hawks.

Now Hebron is finding its way without her but fortunately returns multiple key players from a squad that reached the UIL Class 5A Region I Final last season.

"It's definitely a different dynamic," said Staci Jackson, Hebron head coach, "and we knew it would be going in, both myself and the girls. They want to leave their own footprint on the program because they've done so well the past few years. But I think that can put extra pressure and that can get to them at times. They're learning, though."

Another big difference has been adjusting to playing defense behind starting pitchers Brynn Putnam and Chelsea Herndon.

"Heather was such a great strikeout pitcher, we weren't really used to having to play as much defense," Jackson said. "Not that Brynn and Chelsea aren't very good pitchers, they just don't get as many strikeouts...nobody does really. So we're still getting used to having the ball in play a lot more often."

Jackson said the defense has made strides, however.

Defensively, Hebron features Deja Talton at catcher, Logan Turner and Putnam at first, Erinn Hill at second, Chelsea Herndon at shortstop and Amanda Sloper and Olivia Martinez at third. Martinez will also chip in at first, but has primarily handled duties on the corner as Sloper has been dinged up.

Outfielders include Bailey Vaughn in left, Erin Payne in center and Kassi Wilson and Sydney Stegall in right. Stegall also contributes as a designated player.

"We've been dealing with a lot of injuries so far, too," Jackson said. "We've had to move a lot of people around and spent a lot of time breaking some girls in at new positions. Last year, we had a set defense most of the time. But now we're changing things because of the injuries and also because we aren't using the same pitcher each game. We're really making use of the roster this season."

Offensively, the Lady Hawks are producing.

"Hopefully this week we'll have our solid, full lineup," Jackson said. "But we're hitting it pretty well. We've scored 20 more runs this year than at this point last season. And we've shown a great ability to hit well even when we fall behind. I'm proud of the way we've been able to come back a couple of times."

Jackson said the top six of the order is set, but she is still tinkering with the bottom third at times. Early on, Herndon and Hill have been pacing the offense.

Now the Lady Hawks shift their attention to district play.

"We've been up-and-down, but to be honest, it can be kind of scary if you're extremely successful early," Jackson said. "You want to be peaking at the right time and I like that we've been through some adversity already. The past few weeks we haven't had the Ws, but we're learning from our mistakes."

Hebron opens District 5-5A competition at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday against Coppell.

"We just want to get in the playoffs," Jackson said. "This team knows better than anyone that once you get in, anything can happen. It's going to be a battle every game. There are great hitters and pitchers in the district. Marcus is No. 1 in the state right now and Flower Mound is really talented and has a really deep roster. And I really think Lewisville is going to be a team to look out for."

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