By Zach Falk

After dropping two straight last week against Island Trees, North Shore headed into a three-game series against Plainedge. Things didn't start off great, however, as the Vikings dropped the opener 2-1, in part to a sacrifice bunt that scored the go-ahead run in the sixth.

The next day the Vikings rallied from a 2-0 deficit to tie the game in the top of the seventh. They would lose, though, in the bottom of the seventh on a walk-off double. The streak was finally snapped on Friday when the Vikings came out strong and carried the momentum throughout the game, winning 9-3. They were led by great pitching by Trevor Cannella and two home runs in the bottom of the fifth, by Zach Falk and Pat Chaputian. It was an important win, snapping the losing streak. Now with only five games remaining before the playoffs, North Shore just wants to finish strong and keep the momentum alive.

North Shore kept their playoffs hope alive with two victories against Clarke and Sewanhaka this week despite losing an exciting match 2-5 to Oyster Bay to improve to 10-3 on the season. Christian Petroske led the way with three victories this week at third singles. He has been a rock at third singles with only one loss this season. The new tandem of Ricky Lobben and Tanner Korponay at second doubles secured two victories. These two eighth-graders have no fear when playing against opponents who are twice their size and four years older. John Khani and Ryan Kianofsky earned a straight set victory this week at fourth doubles to earn their first career varsity win as a doubles team. With one match to go against Locust Valley this Monday, the team hopes to make the playoffs.

The men's golf team had two matches this week against two teams yet to do something this season: Great Neck, who has yet to win a match, and Jericho, who has yet to lose a match. The first match was against Great Neck at Lake Success Country Club. The Vikings left the match with the Great Neck team still unable to capture a victory this season. Then came Jericho at North Shore's home course, Glen Head Country Club. The last time these teams met, the match was very close, with Jericho narrowly taking the match. As the players from both teams finished their rounds and scores were being recorded, it was obvious that this was going to be another extremely close match.

North Shore was once again led by Michael Curcio, who came in with a two over par 37, followed by solid rounds by all members of the team. Eric Michalak, John Pirozzi, Brandon Robilatti, Vin Curcio and Peter Filippi all contributed to Jericho's first loss of the season, by just two strokes. The Vikings will finish up their season this week with matches against Friends Academy, Great Neck and Syosset.