The Baldwin ice hockey team is heading to the championship thanks to a 3-2 overtime victory over Mars on Wednesday.

The majority of the game was even, with the score going back and forth. Junior Joey Jacobs scored first for Baldwin. Senior Zack Pender scored the second goal for Baldwin, and the game-winning goal was scored by senior Noah Fischer in overtime.

During the second period, Baldwin defended against a 5-on-3 power play. Junior Keith Reed helped the team slow down the power play. Senior Zack Pender was proud of Reed’s work ethic.

“Reed really did well to shut them down,” Pender said.

After Mars tied the game 2-2, Baldwin’s defense buckled down. Mars did not have a single scoring opportunity in the third period and in overtime.  

“Our defense was incredible late in the game, and our goalie, Tanner Cindrich, made clutch saves late in the game,” Pender said.  

Senior Vinny Episcopo was impressed with his team’s intensity.

“We got a lot of shots and controlled the pace of the game,” Episcopo said.

The boys face off against Greater Latrobe in the championship at 6 p.m. Monday at Mario Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry.