The Island Trees Varsity Cross Country team had a stunning performance as they each raced 3.1 miles through Bethpage State Park. Running away with nearly a lifetime best performance was Steve Battafarano. On the girls side, Gina Lippert ran a great race as she came within seconds of the 24-minute mark. Seniors Rob Lettis and Donald Ludwig followed with great performances, as did junior Rob Cruz. Also posting exceptional times were Elisa Smith, Christine Smith, Fred Koromi, Anthony Benvenuto and Joe Cusker. A battle fought with boundless integrity and desire was fought between the Valley Stream South Falcons and the Island Trees Varsity Bulldogs. The game was a true example of a hard fought battle of equal strengths. The game started off with the Dawgs receiving the ball and beginning the game offensively. The whole first quarter was played great by all and ended with a 0-0 tie. The second quarter started with good plays by all, but brought a touchdown to the Falcons. The Dawgs fought back until they received a touchdown and left the second quarter tied at 7-7. The third quarter began with the Falcons receiving the ball. During this time, the Falcons immediately earned a touchdown. The Dawgs fought back eagerly and managed to score leaving the score 13-13. The fourth quarter became an all-out brawl to earn a victory. Fighting that could only be matched in real life combat, was displayed by Falcons and Dawgs alike. However, the Falcons managed to score another touchdown. By the last minute of the game the Dawgs tried very hard to score another touchdown, which they did, but they did not gain the extra point. Therefore, the last minute of the game became an all-out war for victory. Sadly, after a failed attempt for a touchdown, the Dawgs left the field without victory. The final score was 20-19 with the Falcons claiming victory. A true effort was made by all who played that game. Some key tackles were made by Justin O'Donnell, Vinny Ciaravino, Anthony Vecchione and Rocky Rossi. The Island Trees Bulldogs JV Football team defeated the Valley Stream South Falcons 34-7. Once again, Joe Ciaravino had another impressive game with 247 yards rushing on 11 carries and scoring three touchdowns. Ciaravino scored on an 85 touchdown run on the first play of the game for the Dawgs. He then added an 80-yard run and a 24-yard run. Mike Shearer also had a big game completing two touchdown passes to Mike Smith and Jonathan Pierro. Ever Reyes Perez went 3 for 4 on extra point attempts. Brendan Spiess added to the offense with 45 yards rushing on six carries. The Bulldog defense was solid, holding the Falcons to only five first downs and 79 yards of total offense. Leading the defense in tackles were captains Jonathan Pierro and Scott Smath. Ever Reyes Perez, Joe Ambrosio, Mike Ambrogio, Matt Gelormino, Nick Srour, Matt Valinoti, Mike Smith and Kris Buhagiar also had big games for the defense. The Bulldogs will look to continue their winning ways as they travel to Great Neck North next. The Girls JV Volleyball team is on a roll winning their second straight game by defeating Valley Stream North 3-0. Catie Hollett gave Valley Stream a fit with her serves and Nicole Doller and Colleen Cunningham dominated the net with three kills each. Excellent plays by Emily Koutsoftas, Katie Blauvelt and Ingrid Gomez. After defeating powerhouse New Hyde Park 1-0, the Lady Dawgs were preparing themselves for several tough games ahead. The first of these tests was against second-place Plainedge under the lights. They were ready for a physical match and had to play with intensity, which they did. With both teams' defenses playing outstanding, Meghan Sguigna broke the ice and scored off of a rebound and gave Island Trees a 1-0 lead. This lead held up until 15 minutes remaining in the second half when Plainedge tied it up. Both goalies made tremendous saves to keep their teams close. As play went back and forth and both teams missed some opportunities, the score remained tied and went into overtime. Once again there was exciting play on both sides and finally Lauren O'Shea scored in the 97th minute to give Island Trees a 2-1 lead. With victory only three minutes away, everyone felt that Island Trees had the game sewed up. Unfortunately, with 30 seconds remaining, the Plainedge team scored. They were relentless in those last three minutes and were determined to tie it up. Anyone who was there got to see a great game. Both teams deserved to win. So far it was the best game of the year. The next game was against Valley Stream South. Although the girls played a little flat, they came home with a 1-0 win when Megan Carlson put in a penalty shot after a handball. Once again the defense played well and Jen Macaro made two outstanding saves to preserve the win. Then it was time to play first-place Calhoun and keep their streak alive without a loss. Once again the intensity came back and they prevailed 2-0 with Alyssa Fleming scoring both goals as they dominated throughout the game. All 22 players got into the game. The Middle School Football team opened the season with an impressive 27-7 win over Jericho. An outstanding job was turned in by both the offense and defense.

The girls 8th grade soccer team had its most productive offensive game enroute to a 4-0 victory over Plainview. Valerie Ahrens started off the scoring and Angelika Paskins, Kristen Walsh and Brianna Paolino each scored their first goal of the season. The defense had a solid game and helped Stephanie Fabis and Ashley Alesi pitch their first shutout.

Congratulations to the girls 7th grade soccer team on their 4-0 win over Packard. The Lady Dogs continued their undefeated season, keeping the pressure on the Packard defense for the entire game. Jesse Ciserano scored the first goal of the game off of a well-placed corner kick from Ashley Moore. Michelle Duffy scored the second Bulldog goal assisted by the Packard goalie. Goals three and four were scored by Nichole Coradini and assisted by Alison Gronenthal. Briana Meehan, Ashley Engel, Tara Ludewig, Christina Merrill and Kim Dazzo all played well offensively, while the defense was led by Meghan Biondolillo, Ashley Moore, Samantha Cranmer, Danielle Doller, Angelina DeLardi and Kristen O'Connor. Goalies Danielle Hastings and Valerie LaSala also played well defensively. Stephanie Kaiser had an amazing bicycle kick in the third quarter, helping the Bulldogs retain possession.

With an outstanding display of teamwork and cooperation, the girls 7th and 8th grade soccer team defeated Turtle Hook 8-0. Christine Falce and Katherine Malewski led the offense with two goals each, as Jen Weisdorfer held down her first shutout of the season. They also defeated Roslyn 3-1. Katherine Malewski led the offense with two goals. Megan Hollett added the insurance goal late in the third quarter. There was tenacious defense and exceptional cooperation by all.