The Island Trees Bulldogs locked up the number 1 seed in the Nassau County B Playoffs with a 5-0 shutout of Locust Valley. The win gave Island Trees a league record of 16-1, and an overall record of 19-1. This is a tremendous accomplishment for this baseball program. The coaching staff is very proud of their players. Over the last 2 regular seasons, the varsity baseball team has compiled a 40-2 record. Congratulations are also in order for the JV Bulldogs, who finished their season at 18-2.

In the playoffs, the Bulldogs defeated the Clarke Rams by the score of 2-1. Junior, right hander, Michael Thompson, was terrific in going the distance for the complete game victory. Thompson only gave up 5 hits and walked 2 in earning his 6th win of the season. Thompson struck out 7 and allowed only 1 earned run. After Clarke scratched out a run in the 2nd, Thompson became a real Bulldog on the mound.

Michael Cavalcante's homer in the bottom of the 3rd, a laser to right center, tied the score at 1-1. The game remained tied until the home 6th. The inning started harmless as the first 2 Bulldogs were retired. Greg Thomson lined a 2 out single to right field, and up-stepped Ryan Pastore. On a 1-1 pitch, Pastore lined a double off the wall in left center scoring Thomson from 1st base. The Bulldog Faithful went crazy, cheering for Pastore as he was removed for a pinch runner.

In the top of the 7th, Thompson retired the 1st batter and then walked the #8 hitter in the Clarke lineup. Thompson then collected his thoughts and blew the last 2 hitters away.

The 8th grade baseball team won their game against Plainview. It was an extremely exciting day as the Bulldogs came out fighting from the start. This was the first day they played to their potential as well as coming together as a team. Bryan Marksteiner pitched an outstanding complete game. Of the 26 batters he faced, Marksteiner struck out 7, walked 1 and gave up only 4 hits. He had very good command of his pitches and a lot of help from his defense. Offensively, the Bulldogs finally swung the bat with some aggression. Much of the team contributed, but there were 5 players who stood out from the rest. Jeff Bischoff went 2 for 2 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored. He got the team going with a RBI triple in the 1st inning. Joe Matzelle, as usual, played well defensively behind the plate blocking almost everything, but he also used his bat going 1 for 2 with 2 RBIs and 1 run scored. Jeff Wenzel's bat came alive with a RBI single in the 3rd inning. Jeff also got a RBI when he drew a walk in the 2nd. Kyle Ludwig and Rich DiGregorio only had 1 hit, but they were both monstrous ones. Ludwig hit a 3 run home run in the 3rd inning and DiGregorio hit a 2 run home run in the 5th. Ludwig ended the day with 1 hit, 1 walk, 2 runs scored and 3 RBIs.

Congratulations to the 8th grade girls softball team on their victory over Howitt. The Lady Bulldogs used teamwork, smart base running and a tremendous display of communication to come out victorious over this Farmingdale rival. Pitchers Nicole Carrazana, Kate Beale and Lori Brennan, all spent time on the mound to help the team come out on top. Gina Brewer's speed around the bases helped to secure 3 runs throughout the game. Brittany Faherty, Lori Brennan and Kate Beale all make quick pick-ups and smart at-base plays, while one of the Bulldogs most versatile players, Amanda Rossi, stayed strong at all 3 positions she played. Megan Carlson, Korin Jordan and Grace Vinberg stole base after base to advance the team. Lauren O'Shea's 3rd inning bunt was one of the smartest plays of the game. Outfielders Kaitlyn Sopp, Nathaly Estrada and Nicole Carrazana stayed alert in the field and helped to score 2 of the runs.

The 7th grade softball team had an amazing comeback victory over Wantagh. With the score tied at 16 in the top of the 5th, the girls were determined. Tina Bove hit a ground ball, bringing in 1 run and Allison Mongello hit a single to left field, bringing in 2 runners. The girls were amazing. Dina Vecchione and Elissa Smith both contributed doubles. Gina Ilezyszyn and Dominique Witteck stole home in order to add to the runs. Colleen Cunningham, Katelyn Schmidt and Lauren Mason kept their composure, even though the game was close. Janese Schepmoes stopped a ball with her body, which made what could have been a triple, only a single. Jessica Medellin, Liz Badolato, Keri Dodge, Jenny Kean and Michelle Bearman played outstanding games. Michelle Topel and Katrina Christoffersen were able to get people out at 1st because of their quick thinking. Jaime McCurry used her speed in order to steal 3 bases, but the play of the game came when Meghan Sguigna made a stretching catch in order to end the game.

Excellent job to the 7th and 8th grade track team on their 2nd place finish at Hicksville. Joe Paciullo, Christian Blauvelt, Lindsay Hallas, Megan Doran, Mike Farber and Ashley Donnelly ran great races.