Before the match had time to settle into a rhythm, it was already over.

On a crisp September afternoon at the Baldwin School's home field, junior forward Makena Lee wasted no time imposing her will. The Cornell University commit netted four first-half goals—each one showcasing a different layer of her expanding offensive toolkit—to lead the Baldwin Polar Bears to a commanding 6-0 victory over visiting Friends’ Central School.

The win improves Baldwin’s overall record to 6-1 and marks their fifth shutout in seven games this fall. With Inter-Ac League play set to resume next week, Friday’s dominant non-league performance was more than just a statement—it was a clinic in control, attacking variety, and defensive discipline.

Makena Lee didn’t just lead the attack—she was the attack in the first half. Her four goals came in a 30-minute stretch that dismantled the Phoenix defense.

Her opening goal was a clinical finish on a breakaway after freshman forward Claire Hsia delivered a perfectly weighted chip over the back line. Lee took one touch around the keeper and slotted it home coolly.

Moments later, sophomore outside back Annie Reed found Lee with a sharp entry pass to her feet, and Lee did the rest—turning her defender and firing low into the far corner. Her third came after a textbook give-and-go with sophomore midfielder Sophia Papatheoharis, and her fourth was a solo effort—created with a slaloming run and finished with a powerful shot from distance.

“She’s becoming nearly unstoppable,” said Baldwin Head Coach Adirian Cox. “Makena’s movement off the ball, her confidence with the ball at her feet, and her ability to shoot from anywhere—it’s a nightmare for defenders. She’s adding layers to her game every week.”

If Lee set the tone, Claire Hsia followed it perfectly.

The freshman phenom scored twice—once in each half—both from just outside the penalty area. Her first goal came on a well-timed through ball from freshman midfielder Elise Skawinski, which she ran onto and struck with conviction. Hsia's second goal was unassisted and was a result of winning a loose ball in the midfield and driving a shot over the keeper's head from twenty yards out.

 

“She’s not just a scorer—she sees the game,” said Cox. “Claire’s passing, her positioning, her decision-making—it’s impressive. That kind of playmaking from a freshman is rare and it is only going to get better with hard work in practices and in the off season.”

Beyond the six goals and individual brilliance, the Bears put together one of their most complete team performances of the season. The midfield trio—Papatheoharis, Skawinski, and others—controlled tempo, switched play with intent, and rarely turned the ball over. The team outshot the Phoenix 20-6 and earned six corners to Friends’ Central’s two.

On defense, Baldwin was again rock solid. The backline held its shape, calmly absorbed pressure, and linked well with sophomore goalkeeper Sophia Gill, who made six saves and earned the clean sheet.

“She was our anchor today in net,” Cox said of Gill. “Not just with saves—she’s composed when we play it back to her, and that gives our whole back line confidence. That’s a huge part of our possession game.”

With the win, Baldwin now turns its attention back to Inter-Ac League play. They’ll travel to face Academy of Notre Dame on Wednesday, September 24 at 4:00 p.m. in what is expected to be a much tougher contest.

Coach Cox emphasized that while the goals are great, it’s the development in team chemistry and game IQ that’s most promising.

 

“We’re getting better at knowing when to go direct and when to build. We’re switching the field, finding the right passes, and getting goals in different ways—from distance, from build-up, from individual brilliance,” Cox said. “That balance is what we’re striving for.”

If Friday's performance was any indication, the Bears are not only winning games—they're evolving into one of the area's most improved teams and one not to take lightly.