The J.V. Football team opens the 2003 campaign at home vs. Bethpage on Saturday, Sept. 20 at 9:30 a.m. The Dawgs are in a new conference now (III), also known as the Black and Blue Conference. The competition has gotten a little tougher for the Dawgs, but the coaching staff feels the boys are up for the new challenge. The team has a good mixture of seasoned veterans and a good core of rookies. Also, the team would like to welcome new coach Lou Tuorto to the staff and the district.

The new season for the Girls Varsity Soccer team has begun. Along with coaches Phil Goldberg and Andy Schneider, Captains Kate Beale, Alyssa Fleming, Liz Liguori, Kate Schamberger and Kerri Spiess, everyone worked hard to get ready for the upcoming schedule. The first game was against Cold Spring Harbor (B Finalists and State Champions for many years). Although the Island Trees girls dominated throughout the contest, they ended up on the short end, losing 3-1. However, the girls played very well and created many scoring opportunities. The defense of Angela Barea, Sarah Burleson, Schamberger, Gina Brewer and Lisa Provenzano did a good job. Brewer scored the lone goal.

The second game was a 2-1 win over Wantagh. Once again the defense played well and goalies Jess Ostrowski and Jen Macaro made several key saves. The halfbacks, Megan Carlson, Alyssa Fleming, Kate Moore, Lauren O'Shea, Meghan Sguigna and Michelle Topel did a fine job putting pressure on the Wantagh defense. Megan Carlson scored both Island Trees goals.

Riddled by injuries to key players and nagging injuries by others, the Lady Dawgs played their league opener. The game ended with a 4-1 loss to powerhouse New Hyde Park. Meghan Sguigna scored the lone goal.

Despite all these injuries, both coaches and the girls are optimistic that they will get back on the right track. There is unity on the team and this will supercede all their obstacles. The team and Coach Goldberg would like to congratulate Coach Schneider and his wife on becoming proud parents to a baby boy, Jack Braden.

The Boys J.V. Soccer team opened up its season with a win against Seaford. Matt Brownstone led the way offensively with three goals and an assist. John Oliveri, Dimitri Rouskas, Brian Balvin and Dan Fazio each added a goal.