The New Hyde Park Wildcats board of directors would like to wish the players, families and coaches a healthy and happy New Year. The spring 2001 season is right around the corner and this season should be an exciting season for all. Just a reminder to all coaches: the intramural meeting will be held on Feb. 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus and the travel meeting will be Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus.

Lady Tigers Take 1st Place at Clarkstown Tournament

Game #1 NHP-1 Minisink Metros-0

NHP came out strong, midway through Liz Friedman banged one in on rebound from MaryKate Spicer. It would be the only goal needed thanks to great defense from Marion Delapena, Francine Leung and Domanie Kokkoris. Denise Prevete stopped what few shots did come through in goal.

Game #2 NHP-3 Clarkstown Staropoli-0

NHP was warmed up. MaryKate Spicer opened the scoring on a looping pass from Domanie Kokkoris. Liz put a bullet pass through the middle to Dominique Carusone who put it by the goalie. Dominique Carusone then came down the right side with a defender on her, shot a rocket across the goal to a waiting Caitlin Gracia, but it ricocheted off a defender and went in for the third goal. Once again the defense came up big not allowing a shot on a lonely goalie Ali Timpano.

Game #3 NHP-0 Yorktown Cyclones-0

NHP played a familiar foe in Yorktown. They stopped all NHP shots despite great shots by Lisa Pizzollo keeping the pressure on the whole game. Debra Prevete and Dana Rosario played great midfield getting the ball downfield to the forwards. Great defense from Raquel Cantu knocking back all efforts by the Cyclones. Liz was flawless in goal. MaryKate and Ali Timpano had a great game.

Game #4 NHP-1 Larchmont Thunderbolts-0

This was the big game because Larchmont had won all previous four games. NHP had to win, so we struck quickly on smart individual play by Dominique Carusone by stealing a pass from the goalie to a forward and put it in the left corner. Both teams showed excellent passing and heading throughout the whole game. Ali Timpano and Debra Prevete played well at midfield as did Dana Rosario, Caitlin Garcia and Lisa Pizzollo. MaryKate Spicer, Liz Friedman and Domanie Kokkoris kept pressure on the goalie the entire game. Once again it came down to defense led by always dependable Marion Delapena, Francine Leung and Raquel Cantu clearing all rebound shots. Denise Prevete came up big stopping all shots including the game-winning save with six seconds left.

Game #5 NHP-3 Larchmont Fury-0

NHP was in a must win situation to take first place. Once again the offense came through. NHP struck quickly with Liz Friedman scoring twice both assisted by MaryKate. The last goal was by MaryKate Spicer showing her fancy footwork. Ali Timpano and Domanie Kokkoris shared goal tending shutting down the opposition. The Lady Tigers did not allow a single goal through the whole tournament, the girls really stepped up, missing some key players. Way to go girls!

Lady Panthers Take Second at Sports Arena

In their first indoor tournament of the season, the Lady Panthers continued where they left off in the fall. They showed excellent teamwork and exceptional athleticism as they tallied three wins and a loss to tie for first place only to lose on the tiebreaker. Included in their victories was a well-earned 3-1 win over Northport and an exciting 4-2 win over Massapequa Crunch in the final game. Their only loss came in the first game against Bayport, whose spectacular goalie kept the ladies from scoring despite some heavy pressure.

Once again, Erica Southern, Annmarie McHale and Olivia Peros split goalie duties, each showing superb reflexes and balance, and each playing very effectively on the field. Defenders Jessica Egre, Dominique DeFelice and Kathy Gualotuna all had an exceptional tournament with each doing some solid work up front as well. Nicole Daly, Stacey Wood and Kelcey Zacarese teamed up several times for goals and created many good scoring chances. Jackie Masci, Jenna Feibus and Emily Domb worked hard and showed good hustle and determination, which paid off as each scored at least once in the tournament. Congratulations ladies, and keep up the good work.