The softball team defeated West Allegheny 7-1 on Monday, securing their spot in WPIAL semifinals for the first time since 2018.

Junior Gabriella McGee said that being in the semifinals is exciting as well as intense.

“I’m a little nervous,” she said. Even though the team has a lot of nerves, McGee said that they are trying to stay calm.

The Highlanders got off to a great start on Monday, scoring three runs in the first inning. They added two in the fifth inning and two more in the sixth.

“I think everyone did well with not making any errors,” McGee said. “We also did good with hitting early on.”

The Baldwin offense was led by senior Reese Temme and her sister, sophomore Camryn Temme, who each had two RBIs. Sophomore Laela Markwood said the Highlanders had just one strikeout in the game.

The Highlanders’ defense stood out on Monday, playing a significant role in the game. Sophomore Laela Markwood said that Camryn Temme played well in right field.

“She dove twice and caught both balls,” Markwood said.

Sophomore Julianna Ditoro said that reaching the third round of playoffs makes the team feel more confident. 

“It’s an amazing experience,” she said. “We only made it to the first round last year.”

Markwood said the game felt lively and that the team had a lot of energy.

“The dugout was screaming the whole time,” she said.

The team was highly motivated, Ditoro said. 

“Nobody was down, we were all just happy,” she said.

The Highlanders are preparing to face Shaler Area in the semifinals today, focusing on hitting during practice.

“Just don’t think too much about the pitcher, even though she is a D1 commit,” McGee said.

The Highlanders will face Shaler Area on Thursday in Montour at 4 p.m.