On Saturday morning, Oct. 9, the Garden City Tornadoes roughed out the rain and the early hour (7:30 a.m.) to win with a shut out of 3-0 against the Windsor Wave, Krystie Piscopo, Mary Clare Oakes and Katie Gardener were the tenacious scorers. Nicole Perrotta, Kara Kelly and Carrie Long were the determined goal keepers. Amanda Russo displayed drive and determination along with superb passing skills to help secure the first victory and continued to throughout the entire tournament.

The second exciting game began at 12:30 p.m. against local team Agawam Hotshots.

Early on Janie Burke, who always contributes with her exquisite footwork, passing, dodging and scoring skills, came through with goal #1. A short time later teammate Carrie Long, who can always be counted on to give 100 percent scored again, making it goal #2.

Of particular mention, fellow Tornado who doesn't ever stop trying, Mary Clare Oakes contributed wonderful support through her clean and generous passes. Kaitlyn Hipworth kept the left side of the field secure with outstanding defensive maneuvers and a huge foot. Krista Tenaglia and Katie Rose were kept extremely busy as full back and halfback and always rose to the occasion. Determination is Nicole Dillers middle name, who showed what effort and hard work are all about.

In the second half Krystie Piscopo was very effective as halfback. Ann Kemen's speed and consistency seemed effortless as she commanded the field as center forward. Add to that Nicole Perrottas; defensive skills as goalie and the Tornadoes won the game 2-0.

On a roll, game three was played Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. against Wilton, CT.

Mary Clare Oakes scored early with a perfectly placed direct kick.

Brigid Moore contributed fabulous footwork and sensational defensive skill as fullback. Kara Kelly and Montse Caccamo made an unbeatable pair in the defensive end, allowing nothing to pass. Katie Gardener made a stunning drive up field culminating in the second goal of the game assisted by Krystie Piscopo. Krista Tenaglia as center forward played a very aggressive game.

Fullback Amanda LeSeur did a wonderful job protecting new goalie Carrie Long and defending all the shots. Montse Caccamo was outstanding at right midfield along with Katie Rose. The whole Tornado team applied pressure throughout the remainder of the game on the opponents defense. Brigid Moore had a great drive culminating with a huge advancing boot up field. The Tornadoes won 2-0 again with their hat trick of shut outs this tournament.

Sunday, 12:30 p.m. an extremely wet, but not subdued Tornado team went on to win game number 4 against the Massapequan Meteors. Despite the weather, Clare Hartigan was steadfast as fullback who sent the ball up to the offensive line with powerful kicks and throughout plays. Mary Clare Oakes, Kara Kelly and Kaitlyn Hipworth's efforts were substantial and added to the poise of the team. They never let up pressure.

The multi-talented Katie Gardener assisted Anne Kemen with a perfectly placed corner of the net goal.

Kara Kelly later in the first half had a gorgeous sweeping goal giving the Tornadoes the lead of 2-0 at the half.

Nicole Perrotta as goalie had many exciting saves, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats. Brigid Moore's stupendous passing sequences and skill added to the teams success and Janine Lind's enthusiasm on the field was contagious.

In the second half Krystie Piscopo came through and showed strength by scoring goal number 3 for the Tornadoes, ensuring their fourth win and championship title of the tournament.

Monday morning the Tornadoes played the West Hartford Flames.

Kairlyn Hipworth wowed the crowd with impressive kicks and Mary Clare Oakes was again unrelenting as halfback, with Katie Rose backing her up with dedication and skill, her knowledge and dependability lit up the field.

Nicole Perrotta and a goal post assisted Carrie Long in the first and only goal of the Tornado game. As the Tornadoes dominated play in the opponents' defensive end there were many exciting shots resulting in nail-biting tension. Smart plays executed by Montse Caccamo, Brigid Moore, Janine Lind and Amanda LeSeur highlighted the Tornadoes offensive strategy.

During the second half, Janie Burke and Katie Gardener exhibited their seasoned skill with nimble drives up the field. A once in a life time shot was made by Janie Burke. This power kick sent the goalie jolting backward. Krista Tenaglia was kept extremely busy and rose to the challenge of a determined opponent. Brigid Moore as left fullback had impressive turnovers. Even though the Tornadoes had secured the championship they continued to play as they always do, with great heart. In the final moments of the second half, the Flames scored tying the game 1-1.

The Tornadoes were led to their victories by the coaching of Gerry Oakes, Buddy Gardener and Mike Hartigan. Efforts that made the tournament smooth sailing for all were the up-do's by Laurie Burke and Amanda and Tracy Long, along with the good spirits of many Tornado parents. Once again the Tornadoes have come out on top making the community very proud.