Baldwin’s softball team rallied on Tuesday to defeat Kiski Area 4-3 in the first round of WPIAL playoffs.
The Highlanders’ defense played a pivotal role in this game, helping them secure their first playoff win since 2018.
“We had our defense locked down,” junior pitcher Melina DeFelice said.
Junior Ava Bonacci added that defense was strong the whole game, so there was nothing they had to adjust. But the Highlanders did have to adjust how they approached the plate.
“We adjusted at the plate, not as much as we wanted to, but enough that helped us get the lead,” senior Reese Temme said.
At one point, Baldwin was down 3-1. But they fought back for the win. The Highlanders scored two runs in the sixth inning to tie the game up.
Sophomore Julianna Ditoro said senior Mackenzie Bowen had a standout game for the Highlanders. The score was tied 3-3 when Bowen’s walk-off single won the game for Baldwin.
“She had our final hit of the game, winning it for us,” Ditoro said.
The Highlanders made sure to keep the energy up in the dugout.
“There were definitely moments where we all struggled to stay up, but no matter what, we stayed in it for each other,” Temme said.
Kiski put up a good battle against the Highlanders. The teams were evenly matched, so scoring and getting a lead was tough, Ditoro said.
“They did a lot of great things, and both teams went in with a great attitude,” Ditoro said.
Ditoro thinks Baldwin should work on coming out right away, not waiting for the other team to get ahead. Both Ditoro and DeFelice agree that if the Highlanders get momentum sooner, it will make the games easier to win.
DeFelice was excited to get the playoff win, especially with this team.
“I feel we have had something special going with this group, and to finally feel that our hard work has paid off is a great feeling,” DeFelice said.
This Baldwin team has a growing bond and chemistry, Temme said. This chemistry allows the Highlanders to continue to get better and ultimately win games.
Temme is excited to get this win with such a special team, especially since it is her last season as a Highlander.
“Playing softball for Baldwin has been such a foundational part of my life, and knowing that it isn’t over yet is so rewarding,” Temme said.
Ditoro is excited for the second round, especially since this is her first year on varsity. The Highlanders play West Allegheny in the WPIAL quarterfinals on Tuesday.
“I am definitely looking forward to playing West Allegheny. I think it will be a pretty good matchup because they are the fourth seed and we are the fifth seed,” Ditoro said.
