The Baldwin inline hockey team won the PIRHL championship on Sunday by defeating Bethel Park by a score of 4-3.

Baldwin had lost the first game of the best-of-three series and had to win games on Saturday and Sunday to take the championship.

Saturday’s game was tied 3-3 at the end of regulation. The Highlanders took the win in overtime with a goal by senior Marc Cardillo to make the series 1-1 and force a third game on Sunday.

“That was very important and gave us confidence going into the final game. It also gave us momentum,” junior Andrew Golvash said.

Senior Joey Starr along and juniors Golvash and Nathan Hobson also scored in the win.

“We were always winning, but they kept coming back,” senior Scott Borman said. “We had the drive to absolutely win that game.”

Baldwin then defeated Bethel Park for the second time on Sunday thanks primarily to Golvash.

During the start of the final game Bethel took an early penalty and Baldwin had a power play. Golvash scored to give Baldwin a quick lead and take control of the game. He later scored two more goals to record a hat trick.

“It was an unbelievable feeling to do that,” Golvash said.

Borman praised Golvash’s performance.

“The kid played out of his mind,” Borman said.

The score was tied when senior Anthony DiLucia scored the final goal to put the Highlanders ahead 4-3.

Senior goalie Noah Knerr also shined and played a major role in both wins.

“Noah was our best player,” Starr said. “He played great as usual and gave us a chance to win every game.”

“We played the same game, played hard and gave ourselves a chance to win,” Starr said.

Borman and Starr were overjoyed to wrap up their high school careers with a championship.

“It was an unreal way to finish,” Starr said. “Good luck to the younger guys (next year).”

“This was definitely the best team I played on,” Borman said. “I wouldn’t have wanted to win with any other team.”