Thursday, October 1, 2026
Baldwin’s softball team has made a habit of reaching the playoffs, and coach Tom Llewellyn has reason to believe that can continue this spring.
“The goal is to make the playoffs, hopefully get on a little run in the playoffs as well,” Llewellyn said. “We have the talent, we have the athletic ability, we have speed, we have pitching and catching, which obviously is super important. I think if we play up to our ability, the playoffs should be within our reach.”
Five starters return for the Bruins, including pitching ace Liv Pascual, who won 10 games as a freshman last year.
Pascual, who pitches to contact and hits her spots, has added a curveball to her now five-pitch arsenal.
“We’re looking for her to work the plate even more this year than last year with the new pitch,” Llewellyn said. “She definitely pitches to contact, so the defense has to do their job.”
Her catcher will be Lilly Duet, a sophomore who was primarily a designated hitter a year ago. She’s already hit two home runs, including a grand slam, in her first two games of the season.
“They've been playing together for a while now,” Llewellyn said. “They’re really starting to develop good chemistry, and it's a good look for the future of the program.”
In addition to Duet’s power, Baldwin has speed in their lineup with seniors Akua Bonsu, a three-year player, and Amanda Aguiluz, a returning All-Conference selection and four-year varsity player, who will anchor the outfield.
Bonsu already has three stolen bases in the young season.
Llewellyn is also excited about the left side of the infield, featuring juniors Isabella Fleck, who made the move from second base to shortstop, and third baseman Chloe Collado, who went 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles in a come-from-behind 8-5 win over Manhasset on March 31.
Collado, a three-year starter, bats cleanup and has made a big improvement offensively this year alongside Duet, who Llewellyn said could challenge for the Nassau home run crown.
“I think both of them can be major offensive contributors from the power perspective,” Llewellyn said. “They’re going to be big for us.”
There’s some tinkering and rotation on the right side of the field — both in the infield and at right field.
Sophomore Stephany Zelaya is a first-year varsity player who has made great strides both in the outfield and at the plate. She had four putouts in the outfield and had the game-tying hit in the top of the seventh inning in an 8-7 loss to North Shore on March 26.
Junior Lizzie Albrecht is looking to lock down a starting spot at first base, while seniors Janessa Marmol and Valentina Colmenares, as well as junior Emily Budhu, are part of a rotation at second base.
Freshman Samiya Abreu has also been impressive early in the season.
“She’s a good all-around player,” Llewellyn said. “She’s hurt right now, but we’re hoping to get her back in the lineup in a week or two.”
