The Baldwin ice hockey team lost to Hempfield 7-1 on Thursday night. 

Junior defenseman Jacob Kaercher said Hempfield took an early lead and then maintained control. 

“Hempfield played well in all three periods, especially the first,” Kaercher said. “They scored the first two goals and never really looked back after that.”

Kaercher said Baldwin’s energy was a lot lower than usual and that could have played a factor in the loss.

“We came out ready to play with a bunch of energy against Bethel,” Kaercher said. “That was not there against Hempfield.”

Senior Mack Dempsey agreed. 

“Our overall effort definitely can improve,” Dempsey said. “It is a lot more important than people think.”

Despite the loss, there were some bright spots for the Highlanders. 

“Mack played a really good game for us,” Kaercher said. “He scored our only goal and competed throughout the game.”

“The end of the first period was the best part of our game,” Dempsey said. “Other than that we did not bring our best stuff.”

The Highlanders will go on the road to take on Bishop McCort on Tuesday at 8:50 p.m.