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GIRLS’ SOCCER: Baldwin School Secures Two Back-to-Back League Victories Against Germantown Academy and Notre Dame

By Angelise Stuhl , 10/12/17, 10:45PM EDT

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VILLANOVA, PA –  After starting their league season with a win against Agnes Irwin, Baldwin’s season has been rickety, until late.

The Bears went on to drop a close match against Episcopal 4-3 on September 22, and tied Springside Chestnut Hill 1-1 four days later on the 26th. Despite losing to Penn Charter 3-0 at the beginning of the month, the Bears have been on the rise.

Baldwin vs. Notre Dame Highlights

Post Game Interview with Baldwin's Natalie Sgro, Carly McIntosh, Kahlia Bailey & Gia Vicari

Baldwin’s squad is currently on a three-game win streak heading into their weekend match-up against the Irwins. Their streak includes two vital league wins against Germantown Academy and the Academy of Notre Dame and a non-league victory against the Hill School. 

In the Bear’s most recent league game, Baldwin’s offense struck early, scoring 5 goals in the opening half en route to a 6-0 finish over the Irish. Baldwin junior Natalie Sgro netted four goals and junior Gia Vicari and freshman Kahlia Bailey each scored one a-piece. Bear’s goalkeeper Simi Bleznak is credited with the shutout, tallying 8 saves in the game. 

“The team’s energy is what really attributed to our win and our determination,” said Sgro. “I think everyone put in 100 percent effort in the game, and that’s what really helps get results.” 

Senior defender, Carly McIntosh, added that the Bears have also been concentrating more on the mental aspect of the game as well as building a lasting soccer legacy at Baldwin.

“This year we have really been working on team culture and really taking ourselves seriously. We are a program on the rise. So, just believing in ourselves and understanding that we can get good results has been a major thing for us,” said McIntosh, who also serves as Baldwin’s co-captain.

In the second half of the game, Notre Dame was able to slow down the Bear’s offensive attack, only allowing Baldwin to score one goal.

“At halftime we all talked about what we needed to work on and we decided that the defense needs to communicate more and step up as a team,” said Notre Dame senior, Charlotte Bradley. 

Head coach Matt Hood is in his second year at the helm of the Irish’s soccer program. As his team continues to learn and improve throughout the season, his goal is to focus on one opponent at a time.

“Baldwin is a very good team. It was just a really good game on their part.  Our ladies hung in there in the second half and gave it their all. We take it game by game, so next game is against Agnes Irwin. We played them earlier in the year and we played well. Tactically, our girls are a good match against AI.” 

Post Game Interview with Notre Dame's Charlotte Bradley

On Friday, Notre Dame and Agnes Irwin will meet at Radnor Memorial Park at 4:00 p.m. On Saturday, the Irwin’s will swap Inter-Ac opponents and travel to Baldwin for an afternoon clash at 1:00 p.m.