Western New England College freshman Tricia Troiano of Stewart Manor was recently named the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Women's Tennis Player of the Week. She posted a 4-0 record in singles and doubles competition last week in wins over Worcester State College and Saint Joseph College. Troiano has an overall record of 5-1 for the Golden Bears, who recently played a match at Curry College Sept. 18. The Parent Teacher Association/Special Education Parent Teacher Association (PTA/SEPTA) sportswear sale is under way. Please check the website www.gardencity.k12.ny.us/sportswear to view the merchandise or download the order form. Residents should circle their choice of a pick-up location. All orders are due Oct. 5.

After losing many seniors, including Seery, Crisafulli, Fee, Cohen, Rothschild, and goalie, Williams, the GC field hockey team still plays with the uttermost determination to win. The team beat Seaford on Friday, Sept. 21, with an amazing score of 7-0. With each new goalie playing a half, Amie Roe and Caitlin O'Brien did an outstanding job in goal, managing to keep the game a shut out. The GC defense held up throughout the game, not allowing many shots on goal. The offensive end was lead by Katie Coogan with 2 goals, Devon Munnelly (1), Brittany Barnet (1), Erin Daly (1), Jessie Riccio (1), and Megan Werner (1). The two MVP's of the game, as selected by Coach Chapman, and Assistant Coach Norton, were the captains of the team, Devon Munnelly and Brittany Barnet.

The GC girls had great passes and were talking on the field throughout the game. There were some great moves on offense as well, including Kathryn Colahan. Erin Daly and Jessie Riccio also played a great offense. On defense, Jackie Fiore, Meghan Rose and Brittany Jesser prevented many goals. They had no penalties and therefore did not allow Seaford one offensive corner while Garden City had many.

This year the girls seem to be shooting for the state semi's again. But this year, they look more determined than ever to win. Cheer them on at their next game Friday, Sept. 28, at 4:15 against Wheatley.

Although the team lost 18 seniors last year, including Marc Oppedisano, Bill Hannan, Tom Garvey, Mike Cirrito, Bill Breuer, Mike Miller, Pat O'Brien, and quarterback Dave Kang, the team seems to have gained many new determined players. This past week, the starting quarterback Dave DeGrazia was diagnosed with mononucleosis. Sophomore Conor O'Brien was put in as quarterback and faced the challenge of New Hyde Park (NHP) defense. O'Brien completed 6 of 9 passes for 69 yards. The boys played an outstanding game, defeating NHP with a final score of 14-7. The game was close throughout, but in the last seconds of the game, Garden City (GC) pulled away with the win. GC was losing 0-7 at the half.

GC came into the second half looking for a win. In the beginning of the third quarter, Dan Flannery ran the ball 35 yards for a touchdown to tie the score. The score stayed the same for the remainder of the quarter. In the fourth quarter, GC started a drive at their own 22-yard line with about 4 minutes remaining. Dan Oppedisano continuously challenged the NHP defense. Within 9 plays, GC managed to win the game. The team ran a halfback option pass with 10 seconds remaining. Conor O'Brien handed the ball to Dan Flannery, who threw a 35-yard touchdown pass to Chris Gumiela to win the game.

Flannery played an amazing game, scoring the first touchdown of the season for GC running 48-yards; he caught three passes for 55-yards. The cowbells could be heard as Flannery made the long pass to Gumiela to win the game. The entire team played great, especially in the second half. The boys' first home game is Saturday, Sept. 29, against Port Washington, at 2 p.m. Cheer them on to another great season!

The girl's soccer team played their second game of the season on Saturday, Sept. 22, against Valley Stream South, the returning county champions. The game started off with a 15-minute delay due to mud on the field. The team played aggressively throughout the 2 hour and 15 minute game. The extreme heat didn't seem to affect the girls as they kept playing with great tenacity. Goalie Tara McKennett played a great game with approximately 12 saves. The girls took many corner kicks that were placed perfectly in front of the goal. Garden City (GC) would always get the first touch on the ball, but unfortunately the Valley Stream goalie would always block. The first half was scoreless for both teams.

However, in the second half, Valley Stream North scored the first goal of the game. Shortly after, Allie Holland eventually found an opening and scored to tie the game. The score remained at 1-1 and the game went into overtime. In overtime, the teams are required to play two 10-minute periods. In the first 10-minute period, freshman Corey Cerrato scored to put GC up 2-1. The defense held up strong for the rest of the game, with Allie Lloyd heading the ball to keep it on the offensive end of the field. The girls played a great offensive and defensive game throughout. Congratulations girls on this great win!