Members of the Sons of Italy-Columbus Lodge #2143 made their pilgrimage to Lynbrook a success with a 17-5 victory over the team from Lightpath. The members opened the scoring in attack by pounding out 14 runs on the strength of Anthony "the Big Sausage" Curran, who led the team with 3-hits (including two doubles and a homerun). Curran also scored 3 runs and collected 6 RBIs.

The team continued their assault by adding eight runs over the next two innings and held a 17-5 lead after three. The "Big Sausage" shut the doors over the final four innings, as he forced his opponents to swing at off-the-plate pitches. Columbus Lodge's Dave Saviano chipped in 3 hits including 4 runs scored and 3 RBIs, while Jeff "the Rock" Saviano stroked a pair of doubles and scored twice.

Last Monday, the Golden Lions held their final practice before the ninth Annual Business Cares for Kids Sports Festival, (on May 31), benefiting the Ronald McDonald House. The Lions are seeded among the top three teams in this year's 16-team co-ed tournament. The key to their success will be defense and the play of their women players.

Rita DiSalvo joined the Golden Lions last season. The team responded by going undefeated in games that Rita was in the lineup. "I hope that doesn't jinx us for this year," said DiSalvo. A defensive spark plug in the infield, DiSalvo hit a dramatic two-run triple in route to last year's semi-final victory in the RMH Sports Festival Conciliation Round. "She can really play," said shortstop Gus Costalas.

Massapequa's Gina Nonenaker returns for a fourth appearance in the RMH Sports Festival. The veteran infielder finished last season by batting an impressive .714 in the A.F. Softball Challenge. Nonenaker earned her reputation as a "gamer" when she broke her knuckle in the first inning of the first game at the 2000 RMH Sport Festival. Despite severe swelling and pain, Gina played in four games and inspired the Lions to reach the finals.

Rookies Lisa Hynoski and Debbie McTigue will make their first appearance in RMH Sports Festival, replacing veterans Tallyann Byrne and Jackie Huck. An athletic outfielder, Lisa provides youth six years younger than 32-year-old Huck) and speed. Many consider her the team's best female outfielder since Jeanine Juba roamed centerfield in the mid-90s. Debbie McTigue provides depth at both the infield and outfield positions.

Among the other companies that are expected to participate in the softball tournament will be Computer Associates, Coffee Distributors, Inc., FALA Direct Marketing, LISD Inc. (last year's champs), McDonald Corp., News-12, Krispy Kream, Robert Plan Group, Roslyn Saving Bank, Systemax, and United Electric Power.

Other OSIA News: After a three-year absence Pete Gisonda returns to the Sports Festival as Golden Lions' first base coach ..."Hippie" Tony Novarro hit a homerun in his first Over The Hill game for Moby Drugs ... Columbus Lodge High School Scholarship Awards presentation will be on June 1.