Baldwin golf team shows balance in early going

By: HSSN Staff
Saturday, September 15, 2018 | 3:27 PM

Baldwin’s golf lineup — one through eight — is well-balanced.

Junior Matt Fediaczko, sophomores Connor Woods and Hunter Kozlowski, senior Tommy Ahlin and sophomore Keith Reed make up the top five.

Two juniors, Chris Panza and Andy Degenhardt, compete for the sixth spot at each match, while sophomore Dylan Stokes serves as the eighth player.

“For the first time in awhile, we have people pushing each other all the way through the lineup,” coach Steve Sinning said. “The players have embraced the competition.

“We are a very young squad. We only have one senior in the top six, but many of the younger players dedicated their winter to rebuilding their swings in the golf room. With the help of program volunteer Dan Reilly, the players made big progress with their individual swings.”

Baldwin won four of its first five section matches, defeating McKeesport, West Mifflin, Bethel Park and Allderdice while losing only to rival Mt. Lebanon.

The second half of section play commenced Sept. 10.

“Our goal is always to compete for the section championship,” Sinning said. “Although we lost to Mt. Lebanon by nine on the road, we hope to offer them another strong test later this month at South Hills County Club. Our secondary goal is to make the playoffs and compete against the best teams in the WPIAL.

“The club is on the right path, which has allowed them to gain confidence every time they step on the course. Many of the players participated in the Isaly’s Tri-State Junior Tour this summer, which had them ready for the first day of tryouts.”

Sinning greeted three varsity starters — Fediaczko, Woods and Ahlin — back from last season.

“With the sectionals at Scenic Valley, we believe we have several players with the ability to advance to the WPIAL individual semifinals,” Sinning said.

“Matt and Connor have shown the most consistency, but everyone in the top six has shot a score in the early part of the year that would qualify him for the semis.”

Ray Fisher is a freelance writer.

Tags: Baldwin