Baldwin’s Unified Bocce team won their first match of the season against Keystone Oaks on Tuesday, 3-2.

The game initially consisted of four rounds, with both schools divided into two teams. Baldwin and Keystone Oaks tied after the fourth round, sending them into a “golden frame.” This is the fifth round, which is similar to overtime. Baldwin was able to win the golden frame and, in turn, won the match.

This year, the team has some new team members, so team Manager Eric Jankoski was pleasantly surprised at the results.

“Both of our Baldwin teams won one game and lost one, so it was a good start,” Jankoski said. 

Senior Ella Schwarzmiller enjoyed the first match.

“I was just expecting that we all had fun for our first away match, and we did,” Schwarzmiller said.

Senior Becca Wilds said teamwork is their strongest asset. 

“Whenever things went south in some games, we knew when to call a timeout,” Wilds said. “We also just talked to each other and reassured everyone.”

A turning point in the match would be when one of Baldwin’s teams was down 5-0 in the fourth round and had a comeback, leading to a win for the Highlanders.

“That was a highlight for me. They were down five to nothing and were able to chip away and got the last two points at the last second,” Jankoski said. 

The team’s next match is on Jan. 6 against West Mifflin.