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Baldwin Rolls Past Cristo Rey, 4–0, to Advance to PAISAA Commonwealth Cup Semifinals
In a postseason defined by energy and opportunity, Baldwin School’s youthful roster showed it’s more than ready for the moment. Behind a trio of first-half strikes and a composed defensive effort, the top-seeded Bears defeated Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School 4–0 on Wednesday afternoon in the PAISAA Commonwealth Cup quarterfinals.
With the victory, Baldwin (11–9–1) advances to the semifinals, where it will host fourth-seeded The Hill School on Tuesday, November 4, at 2:45 p.m. The two sides battled to a 2–2 draw earlier this season — a result that still lingers in Baldwin’s memory.
If Wednesday was any indication, the Bears are hitting form at the right time.
Freshman midfielder Scarlett Rushing opened the scoring in style, slicing through two defenders before unleashing a curling shot that soared into the top corner beyond the outstretched hands of Cristo Rey’s goalkeeper. It was a moment that set the tone for Baldwin’s relentless first half.
Not long after, freshman forward Claire Hsia doubled the lead with a show of individual brilliance. Winning a loose ball near midfield, Hsia drove toward the top of the box and ripped a low, powerful shot that slipped through the keeper’s grasp and into the net.
The Bears weren’t done. Sophomore midfielder Sophia Papatheoharis, a constant threat in the attacking third, weaved through three defenders before tucking a composed finish inside the post to make it 3–0 before halftime.
In the second half, senior forward Sabrina Cohen added the finishing touch, one-timing a precise cross from sophomore defender Annie Reed to seal the 4–0 win.
Baldwin head coach Adrian Cox praised both the team’s depth and maturity after the game.
“It was a strong start to the postseason tournament with the convincing shutout win,” Cox said. “It was nice to get four different goal scorers and to get a lot of players minutes. We played almost 30 players, which allows us to stay fresh and ready for the matchup against Hill.”
Cox also noted the value of rest and recovery ahead of next week’s semifinal.
“We had some key players out with sickness and injury, and the upcoming days off will allow us to get close to full strength,” he said. “The players are excited to continue the season and are driven to win the first postseason tournament championship in school history.”
With a roster anchored by underclass talent and guided by experienced leadership, Baldwin’s blend of youthful exuberance and veteran poise has positioned it well for a deep run.
Come Tuesday, the Bears will face a familiar challenge — and perhaps their toughest test yet — against a Hill School side eager to spoil Baldwin’s title hopes. But after Wednesday’s commanding performance, it’s clear Baldwin’s belief is growing with every touch.
