Inside a Record-Setting Performance, Baldwin Falls Just Short on the Road Against Episcopal Academy

The scoreboard at The Episcopal Academy may have read 2-0 in favor of the home team, but the story of Tuesday’s Inter-Ac League clash between Episcopal and The Baldwin School was written in gloves, grit, and goalkeeping brilliance.

In what turned into a career-defining afternoon, Baldwin junior Anaka Boyd-Volz delivered a shot-stopping masterclass, setting a school record with 22 saves—many of them spectacular, all of them vital. The record-breaking effort kept Baldwin within striking distance for 79 minutes until a final-minute goal sealed the 2-0 win for the Churchwomen.

“She was outstanding today,” Baldwin Head Coach Adrian Cox said postgame. “She has improved so much since last season due to her work ethic and is emerging as one of the top keepers in the league. She has really good hands, smart positioning and was laser focused all game.”

Boyd-Volz’s effort was the backbone of Baldwin’s defensive stand in a game where they were under near-constant pressure from an aggressive Episcopal front line. The hosts played with pace and purpose, often flooding the attacking third with numbers. Yet time after time, Boyd-Volz was there—calm under duress, precise in her angles, and lightning-quick in her reactions.

It was Episcopal who struck first, capitalizing on one of the few defensive lapses by Baldwin in the 10th minute. A pinpoint cross from the right wing found an unmarked attacker at the back post for an easy finish and a 1-0 lead.

From there, the Boyd-Volz show began.

She denied shots from range with ease, dove low to stifle one-on-one chances, and even smothered a dangerous rebound in the 33rd minute after a point-blank effort ricocheted off a defender. Her positioning was nearly flawless, keeping the scoreline respectable despite Episcopal dominating possession and creating chance after chance.

“She kept us in the game. Without her, the scoreline is very different,” Cox added.

Despite the defensive workload, Baldwin had its moments going forward—particularly in the second half. Junior co-captain and forward Makena Lee spearheaded the attack, using her pace and intelligent runs to get behind the Episcopal back line on five occasions. Each time, Lee found a look at goal, but either the Episcopal goalkeeper came up with a save or the attempt missed just wide.

“It was unfortunate we didn’t get an equalizer off Makena’s runs,” said Cox. “I’m very proud of the team’s defensive effort, organization, discipline and determination. We only had two subs and every player worked hard.”

With a thin bench and legs tiring, Baldwin held on deep into the second half. But Episcopal would eventually break through again, icing the match with a goal from six yards out in the final minute—a close-range finish even the in-form Boyd-Volz couldn’t stop.

The loss drops Baldwin to 7-3 overall and 1-3 in Inter-Ac League play, but the effort on the road showed plenty of positives for a program that has proven it can compete with the league’s top sides.

“If we continue to defend as a team and stay connected, we will put ourselves in a position to win close games,” Cox said. “We need to improve our quality on the ball and maintain more possession to make the opposing defense work. Our first touch control, speed of play and thought needs to be better against strong Inter-Ac teams.”

For now, Baldwin leans into the belief that the results will come—especially if their goalkeeper continues to play at this level.

Boyd-Volz’s historic day between the posts was more than a personal milestone—it was a reminder of just how much impact one determined player can have on the pitch.

“Her performance today gives us confidence,” said Cox. “If she keeps playing like that, we’ll stay in every game.”

Next Up: Baldwin travels to Penn Charter on Friday, Oct. 3, for another Inter-Ac test. Kickoff is set for 4:45 p.m.