Going into the season, the girls lacrosse team’s main goal was the make WPIALs, and from there make a run deep into the playoffs.
Last season, the team did just that. The Highlanders made it to the quarterfinal round, which is the furthest in girls lacrosse history at Baldwin.
The girls had high expectations coming into this season based on their successful run last season. But the team fell short of its goals and did not make the playoffs.
“Not making playoffs this year is a huge disappointment coming off of last season. We worked just as hard as we did last year. We just fell short,” senior Addie Reckley said.
Reckley, however, made a lasting impression this season for the team, adding her name to the Baldwin history books.
Reckley scored three times during the 12-6 loss against Bethel Park to make her just the third girls lacrosse player to reach 60 goals in one season.
Reckley gave the credit to her teammates.
“I worked really hard all year, but I really couldn’t have done this without the help of my teammates,” she said. “My teammates motivate me every day, whether that be at practice or at a game. I wouldn’t have the success that I have without them.”
The record for goals in a season at Baldwin is 68, Coach Rich Deemer said.
Despite the outcome, the team battled hard every game, and a few section games were thrillers, Deemer said.
“We lost a few close section games: Bethel Park 10-11, Trinity in overtime 9-10, and Moon 10-14,” Deemer said.
Junior Megan Costantino scored in the last second of the Trinity matchup to send the game into overtime.
Despite not making playoffs, the team looks to build for the future.
“Not making playoffs is definitely not a good feeling, but it just motivates me to work harder and achieve the goal next season,” junior Beth Madison said.
“We have a lot of varsity experience coming back next year, so with our experience and hopefully lack of injuries, we should achieve our goal of making playoffs next year,” Madison said.
The younger players have taken a lot away from the season, Deemer said.
“Watching young players make mistakes and then learn from them is always encouraging for the future of the program,” Deemer said.