On a day designed to honor its senior class, it was a junior who stole the show. Makena Lee, Baldwin’s dynamic striker and co-captain, delivered a stunning four-goal performance to lift the Polar Bears past visiting Masterman, 4-1, on Wednesday afternoon.
The game, played under crisp autumn skies at Baldwin’s home field, was more than just a midweek non-league matchup. It was Senior Day, and Baldwin took time pregame to recognize five seniors — Sabrina Cohen, Haley Duong, Annapaola Fike, Laila Gopalani, and Leona Luo — with a heartfelt ceremony surrounded by family, teammates, and fans. Head Coach Adrian Cox praised the group’s character and contributions to the program.
“They’re hard-working players, respectful teammates, and excellent representatives of Baldwin and our soccer culture,” said Cox. “It was great to earn a non-league win on their day.”
If the seniors set the tone off the pitch, it was Lee who set the tone on it.
The junior forward, who had been held scoreless in her last three appearances, broke out of her mini-drought in emphatic fashion. Her brace in each half provided the margin Baldwin needed to secure its eighth win of the season and continue a strong push toward the season’s home stretch.
“She was very motivated today,” said Cox. “Makena is a competitor. She’s hard to defend when she’s running at players with pace and control, and she really took over the game.”
Her first goal came just 15 minutes in — a quick turn and burst past two defenders before calmly slotting a low shot past the Masterman keeper. Just before the halftime whistle, Lee doubled her tally with a powerful right-footed strike from the edge of the box.
Masterman scored their lone first half goal off a drop ball and long distance strike from 30 yards out that surprised the defense who were still setting up after an injury stoppage. Any hopes of a comeback were dashed early in the second when Lee completed her hat trick — this time converting a low cross at the near post. Her fourth, a stunning solo effort after intercepting a pass and driving 30 yards to goal, sealed the result.
Behind her, Baldwin played a composed, organized brand of soccer that emphasized possession and defensive structure. Sophomore goalkeeper Sophia Gill was calm under pressure, finishing with six saves, including a crucial penalty stop midway through the second half to preserve the three-goal cushion.
“Sophia’s PK save was big for us,” said Cox. “We’ve been focused on staying organized and pressing smartly, and today we saw the rewards of that effort.”
The depth of the Polar Bears' roster was also evident. Baldwin rotated freely, keeping legs fresh and maintaining relentless energy throughout. The coaching staff experimented with formations and personnel — a nod to the team's growth and versatility.
“We used a lot of players today,” said Cox. “It was fun watching everyone work hard together and play with a lot of spirit and energy.”
The postgame scene was a celebration — fitting for Senior Day. Families gathered near the midfield line for photos and congratulations, and players lingered long after the final whistle, soaking in the moment before heading to a team dinner.
At 8-5 overall, Baldwin now looks ahead to a challenging non-league matchup at The Hill School on October 15. But for one day at least, the Polar Bears had plenty to celebrate — the legacy of a beloved senior class and the emergence of a star striker hitting her stride at the perfect time.