Experienced Baldwin targets playoffs

Baldwin won 11 softball games last spring, however it wasn’t enough to qualify for the Nassau Class AA playoffs.

With the bulk of its roster returning, led by two-time All-County center fielder Dylan Reyer, the goals this season are not only to compete in the playoffs but win Conference III.

“It’s very good competition similar to last year,” Lady Bruins coach Tom Llewellyn said. “A lot of teams split with each other and I’m expecting the same thing to happen in a lot of cases.”

Conference III is an interesting mix of Class AA (Baldwin and Port Washington), A and B schools. Baldwin dropped the opener to Lynbrook, 11-10, after winning two of three non-league games out of the gate.

“We’ve developed a knack for finishing seasons strong,” Llewellyn said. “That’s what you want to see as a coach, but at the same time we want to have a better start that we have in recent years.”

Setting the offensive table and anchoring the outfield defense is Reyer, who proved almost impossible to retire at the plate in 2022 with a .700 batting average. She also swiped 21 bases in 21 attempts. In the conference opener she went 4-for-4 and drove in four runs. “She’s the ultimate leadoff hitter,” Llewellyn said. “She can bunt for hits and also hit the ball over outfielders’ heads. She’s also a great defender.”

The middle infield has a very familiar look with senior twins Jessica Darcy and Taylor Darcy at shortstop and second base, respectively. Like Reyer, the Darcys are in their fifth years playing varsity softball.

Jessica Darcy is an All-Conference selection who batted .472. She’ll primarily bat sixth but could be almost anywhere in the top six, the coach noted. Taylor Darcy’s quality bat control makes her an ideal candidate to hit ninth and turn the order around. “They’re always on the same page defensively,” Llewellyn said. “It’s pretty much a sure out if the ball gets hit to one of them.”

Junior pitcher Kate Heuser is a two-time All-Conference honoree and the team’s No. 2 batter who last spring hit .430. She’s developed a nice change-up, Llewellyn said, that should allow her to keep opposing hitters guessing.

Behind the plate, sophomore catcher Erin Timmes brings all the tools. In addition to outstanding defense, she batted .472 and struck out only seven times as a freshman, earning Honorable Mention All-County in the process.

At the infield corners, Emma Grochowski is a four-year starter at first base and also contributes in the outfield, and sophomore Jayden Culbreath has a laser arm at third and bats clean-up. Senior Kayla Bennett also see time at first base, while senior Brianna Walters is a lockdown left fielder.

Junior Abby Pascual is a key utility piece. Llewellyn said she’ll give Taylor Darcy an occasional breather at second base, DH along with Bennett, and serve as the No. 2 pitcher.

“We have a lot of experience and will need to grind out some tough games,” Llewellyn said.