For the third year in a row, the Baldwin varsity golf team has qualified for playoffs. Meanwhile, senior Connor Woods has qualified for the individual semi-finals.

Woods said he is confident in the team’s ability to go far in this year’s WIPIALs. Though some opponents might view the Highlanders as underdogs, Baldwin will prove them wrong, he predicted

“With this group of guys, I feel like we could really shock the WPIAL. We have some really talented guys who could put up low scores on any given day, so that makes this playoff run even more exciting. Everybody is probably counting us out, but we want to shock the doubters,” Woods said. 

Senior Dylan Stokes said earning the playoff spot was satisfying.

“It feels really good to go to the playoffs this year,” Stokes said. “Although we took the two losses from Mount Lebanon in the regular season, I’m hoping we can come back and beat them in the playoffs.”

The Highlanders, coached by English teacher Steve Sinning, earned the playoff bid by finishing second in their section.

“I am proud that each player throughout the year found ways to contribute to the team score,” Sinning said. “Their maturity, work ethic and dedication to the game has allowed them to experience success this year.”

Woods, who will compete in individual semi-finals on Tuesday, is a leader on the team, Stokes said.

“Connor is a really good team leader because he goes out every day and plays his best. He may have a few bad holes here and there, but he is able to bounce back and get the job done,” Stokes said. 

Woods had to shoot an 82 or lower at 18 holes in the individual section qualifier at Cedarbrook Golf Course to advance to the individual WPIAL semifinals. He shot an 80. 

“He was the only one to make the cut and it shows how he can handle himself under pressure and stay consistent,” Stokes said.  

Woods said Sinning brings out the best in every player.

“He really motivates us each day and inspires us to better each day,” Woods said. “When we would play together, he would always do whatever he could to try and get in my head and to put pressure on me, so I could be better under pressure during the season, and it really has helped.”