The Island Trees Boys Varsity Soccer team is off to a solid start to their 2004 season. The team is led by captains Sean Walsh, Christian Salvage and Brian Beissel. This year's team has 14 returning players from last year's team. In addition to the captains, they are Matt Burgos, Adam Chase, Russell Davis, T.J. Fabis, Rob Lovaglio, Bryan Marksteiner, Joe Paciullo, Brian Spiess, Sean Thomson and Mike Topel. This year's schedule is as tough as it gets, playing last year's Long Island Champs, Jericho, and five other past county championship teams. The Bulldogs proved they are ready to contend by losing a nail biter 3-2 to Jericho after having the tying goal called back with minutes to play. Seniors Topel and Salvage each netted a goal and senior Davis made several key saves in the game. Next up for the Bulldogs is league play versus Hewlett, Valley Stream, Wantagh, New Hyde Park, Great Neck North and Roslyn.

The Girls Varsity Soccer team started its season with high expectations and has done exactly that. After winning Conference III last year, the Lady Dawgs moved up to a tough Conference II. Intensity is the word for the year and along with their cohesiveness, they will do well. Here is a recap of the six games in which the Lady Dawgs compiled a record of four wins, one loss and a tie:

1. I.T. 4 - Division 0 - goals scored by Meghan Sguigna (2), Kate Moore and Megan Carlson with assists from Val Ahrens and Korin Jordan.

2. I.T. 1 - Valley Stream Central 0 - Meghan Sguigna scored with assists from Kris Walsh and Meaghan Davis.

3. Syosset 1 - I.T. 0 - A well played game!

4. I.T. 3 - Bethpage 1 - Goals by Kate Beale, Gina Brewer and Kristen Walsh with assists from Meghan Sguigna and Kate Moore.

5. I.T. 1 - Cold Spring Harbor 1 - 60 minutes of exciting soccer!

6. I.T. 2 - MacArthur 1 - A night game at Mitchel Field where many fans came to see another exciting game! Goals for Island Trees by Kristen Walsh and Lauren O'Shea with an assist from Gina Brewer.

The defense of Kate Beale, Sarah Burleson and Megan Carlson has been outstanding! Along with Goalie Jen Macaro, they have kept their team in every game and have given the offense many opportunities to attack. Both Coach Goldberg and Coach Schneider are pleased with the way the season is going. All the players are working hard and support each other.

The Island Trees Boys J.V. Soccer team tied New Hyde Park 3 - 3. The score was tied at two when New Hyde Park scored with three minutes left. I.T. rebounded by scoring with 10 seconds left. Leading goal scorers were Mat Brownstone with two and Matt D'Albenzio had one. Assist leaders were Dave Valencia with two and Kevin Marksteiner with one. Brendan Flagler and Bobby Colleluori played well in goal. The next game is at home against Roslyn.

The Girls JV Volleyball team defeated Valley Stream South in an ESPN instant classic, by a score of 3 - 2. The girls lost the first game, but bounced back with help from Margaret Martinez's 14 points off of serve. The girls won game four with a total team effort and Catie Hollett blocking everything in sight. The final game came down to Captain Nicole Doller, who stepped up with an ace to win the match. Great job by the entire team. Way to go, girls! Island Trees lost a tough battle to cross-town rival Division Avenue by a score of 21 - 13. The Bulldogs had a 13 - 7 lead going into the fourth-quarter, but couldn't hang on when the Blue Dragons got some momentum. It came down to an I.T. turnover in the final minutes that sealed the Bulldogs' fate.