With a tight core of talented seniors returning, Baldwin softball could be on the rise in Nassau Class AAA. Coach Tom Llewelyn says that work ethic will set the Bruins apart as they prepare to make more noise in a packed conference.
“Regardless of what happens the day before, they come in with a good attitude,” Llewelyn said. “They try to learn the game and they’re excited to be there. As a coach, that’s the most that you can ask for.”
Most players on Baldwin’s roster were present for the 5-13 season in 2024, one in which the Bruins were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by Port Washington. The Vikings are not new rivals for Baldwin. The two schools have been competitive for at least a decade.
“We’ve probably played them more times in the last 10 years than any other team in the county,” Llewelyn said. “It’s always back and forth.”
Looking to improve, senior captains Jadyn Culbreath and Erin Timmes will be integral to a Bruins team that seems ready to win now. Through three games, Baldwin held a 2-1 record.
Culbreath, Baldwin’s shortstop, has twice received an honorable mention for All-County honors, while catcher/pitcher Timmes earned a spot last year. Llewelyn described them as the Bruins’ engine, leading the way on the field and off it to recapture a winning tradition.
“The two of them have been in the starting lineup every game since ninth grade,” Llewelyn said. “When they first came up, they were the only freshmen on a team full of upperclassmen. They got to learn from them, and now they’re leaving their legacy on the younger players they have.”
Timmes is capable on the mound, but she will likely play more behind the plate as a talented freshman steps up. Pitcher Liv Pascual has been described as Baldwin’s next star, a talented player with excellent motion progressing quickly for her age. In her first start on March 28 against South Side, she struck out six batters in a 12-6 Baldwin victory. She has pitched in all three of Baldwin’s games so far.
When Timmes pitches, Lilly Duet will likely fill in at catcher, serving a massive role that will require her to learn on the job. In her third game, the freshman slugger went 3-for-5 with two RBIs in a 13-8 victory over North Shore.
As the everyday shortstop, Culbreath is leading an infield that will often include younger players. Senior Samantha Prongay may split time with junior Kennedy Thompson at first base while sophomore Isabella Fleck assumes the starting role at second. Chloe Collado, another sophomore, is expected to handle most of the work at third.
Senior Averi Thomas is Baldwin’s three-year starting outfielder, rounding out a strong trio of senior leaders on the roster. She will primarily be joined by starting juniors Amanda Aguiluz and Akwia Bonsu. Llewelyn described Aguiluz as a rock on the team and recently moved her to center field. Bonsu forced her way into the starting lineup through exceptional power at the plate.
