Thursday, October 1, 2026
When Baldwin softball defeated Manhasset in a 9-8 walkoff victory April 23, it felt like a dam finally broke. The Bruins had previously lost five games by two runs or one, making the momentous result mean even more.
“When you drop a couple early that are close, the team can go one of two ways,” coach Tom Llewellyn said. “They can pack it in and be upset over the losses or they get motivated and they keep pushing towards that goal. And that's where the team leadership really steps in the most. To be in that situation again and come out on top just shows the growth they have, not just from a physical standpoint, but from the mental standpoint.”
With a 4-7 overall record and multiple losses coming in heartbreakers, Baldwin is in a somewhat strange position as the postseason approaches. After so many close games, the roster is seasoned enough to surprise someone in a playoff matchup, but getting there will require some late momentum with five games remaining.
Senior third baseman Chloe Collado was the hero in the Bruins’ win over Manhasset, hitting the game-winning single with the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh inning. That knock was one of many in a stellar year, however, as she is currently batting .625 with 23 RBIs in league games.
“We actually moved her into the two spot because we wanted to protect her in the lineup and get her more at-bats,” Llewellyn said. “When she's going, the people around her start to click as well.”
Alongside Collado in Baldwin’s big three, senior outfielders Akua Bonsu and Amanda Aguiluz are also enjoying strong campaigns. Bonsu has stolen 17 bases without getting caught so far and earned 15 walks, ballooning her on-base percentage to .565.
“A walk or base hit for her is a double,” Llewellyn said. “You can't throw her out.”
Aguiluz, Baldwin’s “gliding” center fielder, was described by her coach as the player others look to in difficult positions. Her leadership off the field has become as valuable as her immense contributions on it, providing her coach with leadership and initiative in hard-fought games.
The Bruins’ bruising lineup also includes the likes of power-hitting sophomore catcher Lilly Duet, crafty junior shortstop Isabella Fleck, and sure-handed junior first baseman Lizzie Albrecht. Sophomore Liv Pascual has become a key hitter as well, amassing a .480 batting average in league games, but her performance in the circle has been all-important.
The starting pitcher in most games, Pascual has stepped up to assume an unforgiving role in the Bruins’ hard-fought schedule. Though they have missed out on several games they could have won, Pascual did much of the work to keep them in contention and has handled the pressure well.
“It's her second year as the starting pitcher, so even though she's only in 10th grade, we look at her as an experienced player,” Llewellyn said. “We expect a lot out of her.”
When it completes the regular season, Baldwin is not guaranteed to get the result it deserves after so many close defeats. But for a hard-working group that has always been committed, it never feels like the Bruins are truly out of any game.
Baldwin travels to Hewlett this Saturday for a 2 p.m. first pitch.
