The Great Neck South Rebel Softball team was highly honored at the Nassau County Softball Coach's Association All-Star Banquet, held June 5 at Crest-Hollow Country Club. Among their many individual honors and plaques was the one commemorating their Division 1B championship, and also an award for "Coach of the Year" to Stu Fritz. Coached by Fritz, softball at South has steadily developed and improved over the past few years, from a developmental squad in the lowest division between 1993 and 1995. Every year, they have become increasingly competitive in the league. In 1998 they captured the Division IIC pennant, and continued to move up. This year, because of their success as well as the increased size of the student population at South, they joined conference I, where they again won their division. This year in particular, the Lady Rebels combined excellent fielding with strong pitching and timely hitting, defeating all but two teams in the highest division of the conference to compile a 15 and 4 overall record.

The Rebels were led by co-captain All-County pitcher Nicole Ptak, with All-Division honors going to co-captain Kim Cannella (second base), Sharon Aragon (third base) and catcher Diane Levine. Co-captain Tracy Gertler (center field) was honored as Scholar-Athlete and Pam Ostrover was recognized as All-Conference at first base. Also vital to the team's success were the amazing outfielding skills of Morgan Handsman and co-captain Tanya Brescia, the speed of Dena Smith, the pinch-hitting of Jackie Chessen and Rebekah Shein, and of course the short-stop skills of Amy West. Called up from JV late in the season to supply an extra boost were Nora Shuman and Ariel Vogel.

In the playoffs, the Rebel's strong record earned them a first-round bye this year, followed up by South's first home playoff game in memory, on May 24 against Massapequa. Overflowing bleachers of fans, including Principal Ross and Dr. Shine were treated to an 8-0 Rebel victory. Sadly, the winning season came to an end the following day in the semifinals at Mitchell Field, at the hands of undefeated Baldwin who went on to become County Class A champs.

This season was one to remember for the team, their loving fans, and their coach. According to Coach Fritz, "This was the most spirited team I've ever had. They competed every game, and never quit. This team was particularly recognized by the umpires and the other teams for their competitiveness, sportsmanship and spirit. Most importantly, however, I hope they have formed friendships here that will last a lifetime."

The six graduating seniors on this team will be sorely missed, but will be proud to return to the G.N. South gym and see a banner for their winning season hanging there for many, many years to come.