The Baldwin girls basketball team defeated Albert Gallatin 70-19 in a section matchup on Monday night. 

Senior Bella Niles thought everyone on the team contributed in their own way.

“Everyone played really well,” Niles said. “Everyone was able to take advantage of opportunities and that led us to the win.”

The Highlanders got out to an early lead and never looked back.

“We played very fast and played very well in transition, leading to a lot of quick layups,” junior Lynsey Bernotas said. 

The wide margin of victory allowed a lot of Highlanders to get into the game that usually do not. 

“It felt great to see everyone get into the game,” Niles said. “It gives them the opportunity to get comfortable in a varsity atmosphere, along with showing their skills that may not be seen often.”

Bernotas agreed. 

“It means a lot because it shows the players what it’s like to be in the game during varsity, and shows them what could happen to them,” she said.

With the victory, the Highlanders moved to 7-1 and 3-0 in section. Being at the top of the section going into Christmas break is big for the team’s momentum going into the rest of the season. 

“It feels good because this is the best start we have had since I have been in high school,” Bernotas said. “It helps us with confidence as well, so when we play again we will be more confident and smooth.”

Despite their success early on, Bernotas still sees room for improvement.

“We can improve on talking on defense and running our plays the right way,” she said.

Senior Jacey Klingensmith agreed. 

“We need to work on our communication, especially on defense, along with just playing our game and not let anything affect the way we play,” Klingensmith said. 

The Highlanders will be in a Christmas tournament this weekend at Elizabeth Forward taking on McKeesport at 4:15 p.m. Friday