After a very cold preseason of practice, things are starting to heat up on the Island Trees softball diamond.

The girls started off with a non league win over Syosset, 4-0, on March 27.

The regular season started up on March 29, with a real nail biter against defending class B champs, of Mineola. It took nine innings, but the Lady Bulldogs were able to pull it out, with a 2 to 1 victory. Junior right-hander Jamie Pietrantoni went the distance striking out 12 and only walking one.

After a few days off for the spring break vacation, the girls were back for more. More wins that is. A non-league win over a touring team from Syracuse 7-1 gave freshman pitcher Chrissy DeMott her varsity win.

The season continued April 13, and Pietrantoni once again proved to be too tough. North Shore High School could only manage two hits, while being struck out 11 times. Final score in that contest was 4-0.

Next up was cross-town rival Division Avenue. The Lady Dawgs were ready and willing to put up a fight to continue in their winning ways, and they did just that. It took four innings, but after scoring their two runs, there was no looking back. Pietrantoni struck out 12 while only allowing three hits. Clutch hitting by junior Stacey Rooks and senior Kristen Pietrantoni was the difference in the game.

Rounding off this year's talented squad, are seniors Nicole Viggiano and Elaina Koutsoftas, juniors Denise Jones, Laura Sullivan, Cyndi Sheil, Rosa Oliveri, Christina O'Brien, Rebecca Groy and Jessica Fredericks. Last but not least, the receiving end of the Jamie express is sophomore catcher Jaclyn Habermehl.

Stay tuned for weekly updates on what promises to be a very exciting season for the Lady Bulldogs and their coaches. Bob Young returns as head coach, bringing along this year assistant coach Laurie Logan.