On Sunday, June 6, Hicksville's Division III 5th grade team faced a tough Mineola team. This Hicksville team had its finest defensive game yet and practically shut down Mineola the first three-quarters. Although Hicksville lost, these 17 boys never gave up and gave the team 110 percent.

The defense was led by goalie Danny Fosco, who had an incredible 15 saves. Danny has become one of the finest goalies in our league; he is unshakable in goal, level-headed and fast. Danny will be a player I'm sure you will be reading a lot about as he continues in his career as goalie. Keith Carsten, the crease defenseman, had his usual outstanding game. Keith is such a presence on the field; he totally shuts down all plays in crease and takes out of commission any offensive player in his zone. Robert Howard had a super game, Robert has really progressed this season, and has become a fantastic defensive player, coming up with ground balls, making checks and carrying the ball upfield. Joe Vissichelli played outstanding defense; in what I believe was his finest game yet. Joe stripped the ball from Mineola several times and cleared the ball upfield to our attack. Joe was not to be taken lightly on the field, he frustrated the offense the entire game. Tim Donohue, the team's newest defenseman, played like a seasoned player, handling his long stick like a pro, coming up with ground balls and clearing the ball upfield. Time foiled several of Mineola's fast breaks.

The attack, Steven Prince, Michael Peterson, Matthew Vitrano, Matthew Sanfilippo played as they've never played before. Steven played a terrific game, initiating several offensive plays and constantly finding the open man. Steven has a great sense of the game, and really takes charge when our offense has possession. Michael Peterson was unstoppable, he has more heart than any other player I've seen. He was relentless in his attempt to control the ball and totally frustrate Mineola's defense with his speed and tenacity. Matthew Vitrano, with a goal, was poetry in motion on the field. He played his position perfectly, getting clear of his defensive player and staying open for passes. Matthew has incredible stick skills, well beyond his years. Matthew Sanfilippo rounded out the attack, Matthew played a great defensive game, going after ground balls and taking advantage of every opportunity to pass to the open man.

Hicksville's midfield, consisting of Greg Burt, Anthony Geslak, George Levine, Kevin May, Jonathan Miracolo, Andrew Sans, Andy and Erik Solt were relentless in their effort to bring the ball upfield. Greg also had his finest game this season, he recovered ground balls and knocked down passes. Greg has really progressed this season, due to his hard work and practicing, he is becoming a fine stick handler. Anthony did a great job scooping ground balls, coming up with quite a few during the game and passing the ball upfield to the open man. George had, with what we have come to expect from him, a terrific game. His speed and moves make him a thorn in the side of anyone trying to play defense on him and this game was no exception. He initiated several fast breaks and successfully carried the ball upfield numerous times. Kevin played a fine game, with several crucial checks and helping strip Mineola of the ball. Kevin can always be found where the action is -- he's in the middle of most ground ball plays and is one of the reasons Hicksville won so many ground balls this game. Jonathan was our utility man this game, playing a fine midfield, but playing great defense when we were man down. He plays a nice long-stick midfield and was a force to be reckoned with on the field. Mineola never scored during man up due to Jonathan's great defense. Andrew was terrific, he is one of the few players at this age level that plays equally well left or right, so he totally confuses the defense and this game he did just that, easily dodging every and all Mineola players. Andrew had an easy time of progressing the ball upfield and did so several times. Andy made his presence known on the field with his speed and tenacity, never letting Mineola advance the ball without a fight. He made several great checks. Erik had his best game yet, he played a fantastic defensive midfield, totally shutting down his Mineola player. He really has come a long way this season.

This Hicksville team has been such a pleasure to coach, they have come to all our practices, done all we asked and have given their all at each game. You would be hard pressed to find a team with more heart, better sportsmanship or with a truer sense of what being part of a team is all about. These boys are unselfish in their play and come to look at the other members of the team as not only team mates but also as friends. I am so proud to be a part of this team.

I would like to thank Charlie Sans, Joe Mascaretti, Jason, Chris Rooney, Erik Geslak, Michael Cerlini and Joe Assante for all their help during the season. I don't know what we would have done without them.

I would also like to thank John and Dolores Ajello for all their hard work and dedication to Hicksville's PAL Lacrosse league and the children of Hicksville.

Our thanks go out to Rose Walker for giving up her Sundays to keep time at all our games.

Lest, but certainly not least, I would like to thank the parents of our team for their commitment to the team and their boys. I know how difficult it is to juggle schedules to get kids to their practices and games, but these parents went above and beyond seeing to it that not only did the boys make all the games but most if not all of our practices. Thank you.

Pam Geslak, Coach