Baldwin makes early statement

Coach Rich Garguilo felt Baldwin was “tested and in a good place” heading into last Thursday’s Nassau Conference A-I boys’ lacrosse opener against visiting Port Washington, and the Bruins used a four-goal third-quarter outburst to make another early statement with an 8-5 victory.

Senior Mike Ainbinder scored four goals, senior Austin Valenti added two goals and two assists, and senior goaltender Brett Dadiego made 17 saves as Baldwin overcame a few injuries to win for the third time in four games. Senior defender Derrick Darnulc held Princeton-bound standout Jake Froccaro (two goals, one assist) in check most of the way.

“We’re seeded fourth and they’re fifth,” said Garguilo, who noted Syosset, Massapequa and Farmingdale comprise the top three seeds, respectively. “We have the experience to go far,” he added. “The chemistry is outstanding. We have to stay healthy, keep progressing and play within ourselves.”

Senior Patrick Dillon and sophomore Gerard Lyle also scored for the Bruins, who were coming off back-to-back one-goal victories over Kellenberg and Hewlett. Their roster features an interesting mix of veteran leaders and young talent.

In Dadiego, Baldwin boasts one of the top goalies on Long Island. He earned All-County honors a year ago and will be manning the nets for Air Force in the future. “Brett has bailed us out a lot over the years,” Garguilo explained. “He’s just a great goalie in every sense. He made a major impact as a freshman playing varsity, and his skills and leadership have grown from there.”