A team with a good record begins with great leadership. As the Walpole Softball proceeds into the postseason, senior Captains Steph Sem, Casey Songin, Mehron Hoag, and Lauren Regan have already led the 10-8 Rebels to a postseason berth. However, leadership does not always come from the senior Captains, as Junior Natalie Lydon has displayed timely hitting and leadership throughout this season.
This season, the Rebels have been working to improve their offensive abilities, and Lydon is a prime example of someone whose hard work has paid off. As the team’s leadoff hitter, her batting average currently stands at a .343.
Lydon’s first varsity home run came on April 14 against Milton. “We were down one run when [Lydon] was able to start the momentum that led us to victory,” said Sem.
Another huge game for Lydon was against Framingham on May 2. With two outs in the bottom of the 7th and a runner on, the team was down 5-4 when Lydon stepped up to the plate and hit her second triple of the game — tying the game at 5. After Regan’s hit, she then ended up scoring the walk-off winning run.
“It was such an exciting win and wouldn’t have happened without Natalie’s confidence and ability to get the job done when her team needed her,” said Head Coach Rachael Sprague.
On May 5, Lydon again displayed her offensive abilities when she hit her second home run — this one a grand slam — in a 12-4 win over Braintree. Due to her offensive significance, Lydon was named a South Player of the Week by the Boston Globe for the first week of May.
Along with Lydon’s obvious offensive skill, the Rebels are also at an advantage due to her defensive contributions. Although a first year starter at 3rd base for Walpole, Lydon does not show inexperience on the field.
“She is such a solid defensive player at third base,” Coach Sprague said. “Besides fielding the bunt, she goes all out all the time on defense.” In the Rebels game against Norwood on April 28, Natalie dove head first to make a catch in the dirt. According to Sprague, “[Lydon’s diving catch] was the play of the game, if not the season.”
Lydon’s fearless attitude to play very close to home plate brings a different charisma to the team. Sprague said, “She plays almost halfway up to the plate if she thinks there is a chance a batter will bunt and even if she gets a ball off her face, she is right back in there.”
As a key player on both the defensive and offensive sides of the game, Lydon still seeks to improve as they move into the postseason. Lydon said, “I hope to get my throw stronger by next season. I still have a lot to work on.”
Not only an athlete, Lydon is also a main communicator and team-player both on and off the field. “Natalie is constantly communicating with her teammates, staying positive and keeping the team focused,” said Sprague.
With a 10-8 record, Walpole Softball has 2 more games before the postseason. If they are going to make some noise in this tournament, Walpole Softball will need to make sure that what helped get the team a playoff berth – positive leadership, timely hitting, defensive fearlessness – stays with them throughout the postseason. If they forget at any point, Lydon should be a good reminder.
