Baldwin returns to title game

In search of its first Nassau County field hockey title since 1998, Baldwin earned a rematch with defending champion Massapequa in the Class A final with a 4-0 victory over visiting East Meadow in last Saturday morning’s semi.

Senior Nadia Elcock scored twice, with her first coming with six seconds left in the opening half, and senior Kelsi King and junior Daniella Specht added goals to lead the way for the top-seeded Lady Bruins, who came up short against Massapequa in last year’s title game, 2-1.

“We’ve been working all season long to get back to the finals,” Elcock said. “We didn’t underestimate any other teams, but to be honest our end goal was to get a shot at redemption against Massapequa. It’s going to take our best game to win it.”

East Meadow’s defense, led by Erica Homan, Nicole Kane and Alyssa Fernandez, and some spectacular saves by sophomore goalie Rosanna Cuttone, kept Baldwin (8-4-1) off the scoreboard until the latter stages of the first half. 

“That’s probably the most athletic team we played this year,” Lady Jets coach Courtney Castle said. “We’ve have some great games against Baldwin over the years including last year’s playoffs when they beat us by a goal.

“I thought our girls played really hard today,” she added. “The second goal really hurt us. The game wasn’t over by any stretch, but it’s tough knowing you need to find a way to climb out of a 2-0 hole.”

Baldwin’s relentless pressure finally paid off with 2:05 left in the first half when a blast by Specht just inside the circle found its way past Cuttone, who began the campaign at the JV level but proved she belonged on a bigger stage. “I can’t say enough about how well she’s played,” Castle said.

It’s likely no goalie in the county would’ve denied the Lady Bruins from making it 2-0. A rare defensive breakdown by East Meadow led to Elcock’s first goal just before halftime. The hosts had a 4-on-0 breakout and Cuttone made a beautiful kick save off Alexis Holt, however Elcock slapped in the rebound.

“It was huge to get the first one, and then to get a second one before the half was even bigger,” Baldwin coach Mike Hoover said. “East Meadow is always prepared to play us. Now we can look forward to Massapequa.”

With the help of Athletic Director Ed Ramirez, the Lady Bruins were set to prepare for Wednesday night’s title game at Adelphi on a similar surface — turf. “With the exception of the loss at Massapequa (5-0 on Sept. 26), we’ve played well on turf this year,” Hoover noted. “We’ve been on the turf at Manhasset, Locust Valley and New Hyde Park, so I know it can work to our advantage because of our athleticism.” 

With a trio of four-year starters (Specht, Elcock and Kayla Brown) and four others with three years of starting experience, Hoover noted the program’s progression. “We’ve gone from missing the playoffs, to making the playoffs, and reaching the finals twice now,” he said. “Taking that last step has been the goal since last season ended.”