The Lady Bulldogs were set and ready to go for their last regular season game at home, also known as "Senior Day." What a day it proved to be, as the ladies took the win after 10 innings. With one out in the bottom of the 10th inning, the score tied at three, Christina O'Brien stepped up and was determined to end the game. She certainly did, driving in Jaclyn Habermehl from third base for the winning run and a 4-3 win. O'Brien finished the game with two hits and two RBIs. Pitcher Jamie Pietrantoni did the rest, allowing just four hits and striking out 12.

Immediately following the game was the first ever "Senior Slide" at Island Trees. One at a time the graduating seniors of the team had to slide into home head first, into a man made lake. The girls had a lot of fun.

Next was the first round of the playoffs. Being seeded second going in, the girls faced the number 15 Carey High School of Franklin Square. The game was another nail biter, but once again the Bulldogs came out winners. A 2-0 shut out by Pietrantoni and clutch hitting by Jessica Fredricks proved to be all the Bulldogs needed. Pietrantoni allowed just three hits, 15 K's, and no walks.

That win brought Plainedge into town for another thriller. Falling behind 1-0 in the first inning, the Bulldogs seemed to be in trouble. Rebecca Groy took the challenge and drove in the tying run in the second inning and led off the bottom of the seventh with a single which proved to be the winning run when Coach Laurie Logan put in speedy pinch-runner Liz Dinolfo, who was sacrificed to second on a great bunt by Habermehl. The game hero, Carol Lehman, then stepped up to the plate and hit a fastball in the gap for the winning hit and RBI. Final score was Bulldogs-2, Devils-1. Pietrantoni gave up just three hits while striking out five, with only one walk. Superb defense at shortstop by Fredricks was also key in this game.

The girls went to County Semi Finals next, facing a tough team, number three MacArthur, with whom the girls got into trouble early, falling behind 3-0. However, "never say die" were the words going around the Lady Bulldog bench. Scoring two in the third and then two more in the fifth inning, the girls were back in front to stay. Clutch hitting by Fredricks, Chrissy DeMott, Pietrantoni, and again game hero Lehman, brought the girls to victory. With two outs and the go ahead run on third once again, Coaches Logan and Ed Price asked Lehman to give it another shot, and pinch-hitting she drove the winning run in with a single to right.

At the finals, the Lady Bulldogs, now the number two team face number one team Garden City. The girls were looking for a terrific end to a wonderful season, as their record stood at 18 wins and three losses. Pietrantoni's strike-out count stood at 183.

The Lady Bulldogs headed onto the Nassau County Class "B" finals. The best two out of three started on a beautiful day at Cantiague Park in Hicksville. The girls were ready for the job at hand.

The Bulldogs sailed to a 7-1 victory at what was the real edge of the series. Some clutch hitting by DH Laura Sullivan, Fredricks, and great defense by Rosa Oliveri at second base was all the girls needed. Pietrantoni was outstanding again, pitching a three hitter, striking out five, and walking one.

In game two against Garden City, the Trojans made some spectacular catches off the bats of Pietrantoni, Habermehl, and Sullivan. The girls gave all hard hits, but all were caught. A first inning sacrifice fly by Fredricks scored lead off batter Stacey Rooks, who then reached an error. That was all the runs the girls could get. Losing 2-1 in eight innings, Pietrantoni still provided the Bulldogs with a strong complete game, striking out five, walking three, and giving up just four hits.

After a day of practice, the girls were ready for game three. After a fantastic season, the Bulldogs ended with a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to Garden City. The girls' bats were frozen by another great pitcher in the county, Garden City senior Kim Sanacora, who was pitching her fifth varsity season. The Bulldogs could only muster three hits, while the defense of the Trojans caught every ball hit. Pietrantoni still shone through, striking out four, walking one, and allowing just four hits.

Coach Logan wants the girls to know that a season record of 19 wins and five losses is one to be very proud of, even though they didn't end up winning. After a sad bus ride home, with lots of crying and hugging, the Bulldogs parents awaited the girls with open arms. Everybody should be proud of the girls, as both coaches certainly are. Finishing second in the county is no small task, and each and every Bulldog contributed in one way or another.

Pietrantoni finished her career with the Bulldogs with some amazing numbers. She gave the team 77 wins, 30 losses, 938 strikeouts, one perfect game, six no-hitters, and 13 career shutouts. Pietrantoni also gave the girls one Long Island Championship in 1997, All State Honors in 1999, and County MVP in 1997. The coaches wish her the best of luck at Adelphi and congratulate her on her softball scholarship.

Coaches Logan and Price thank the Bulldogs for all the great memories, and wish good luck to graduating seniors Pietrantoni, Sullivan, Fredricks, Oliveri, O'Brien, Rooks, Cyndi Sheil, and Groy. They will miss them very much.

Junior Bulldogs have a lot to look forward to next season. Habermehl will return behind the plate, while Lehman, Sandy Baglivo and Caitlin Donahue will steady the infield and outfield. Sophomore DeMott will have some big shoes to fill, as the next Lady Bulldog to take the mound, while classmate Erin Ludewig will find a spot in the infield.

The coaches wish special thanks to four JV players who came along for the ride: Liz Pandolfi, Kristen Schafer, Jen Grella, and Rebecca Santoriello. The girls have a special place in the coaches' hearts, and they look forward to working with them next year.

Finally, the coaches wish to thank the Island Trees family of fans, including moms and dads, grandmas and grandpas, aunts and uncles, Mr. Connell, Mr. Longaro, Mr. Kealy, and their supervisors Sully and Mrs. Jones. Congratulations to the Bulldogs for a great season played, and good luck next year.