The Manhasset Warthogs girls fifth grade CYO soccer club went on a scoring spree this past weekend with back-to-back wins Saturday and Sunday versus Long Beach and Our Lady of Lourdes (Malverne) respectively. Both wins were part of a strong start of the season, bringing their record to 3-0.

The stampede began Saturday with an unprecedented club record win of 7-0 at home vs. Long Beach. The scoring began with veteran Amy Tenet, followed by another quick goal by standout Jill Santangelo, assisted by Jenny Tricarico. While the day may have been a little nugatory for the dynamic goalies, Lizzy Morelli and Sarah Pegno, it was worse for the opposing coach who received a red card and was asked to vacate the premises. Throughout the excitement, the Warthogs prevailed under the stellar defensive skills of Katherine Fink, Megan Cronin, Jessica Millard and Lindsey Reidy. The players kept their composure and went on to earn five more goals, two from Kristina Duffy and one from Alicia Hannan. The final two special goal scorers were Brittany Loschiavo (her first Warthog career goal) and Elizabeth Avallone. The moonlighting trio of fourth grade sensations, Grace Golden, Lauren Peyser and Maggie Breslin, added to the powerhouse force to bury the opposition.

On Sunday, during record high temperatures and humidity you could cut with a knife, the Warthogs continued their persistent drive with a 5-1 win over Our Lady of Lourdes of Malverne.

As McGwire hit his 70th blast, Jenny Tricarico had her first goal of the season in front of record crowds at Malverne. Jenny's goal, as well as two by Alicia Hannan and two by Kristina Duffy, totaled the five that the Warthogs earned on the road. The scoring was only the result of tremendous efforts by exceptional midfield hustle and passing from the super-charged Lindsey Reidy, Kara Manoogian, Brittany Loschiavo, Elizabeth Avallone, Jessica Millard and Jill Santangelo. The Warthogs strong arm, made up of Katherine Fink and Megan Cronin, set up most of the Warthogs; points and kept the competition from encroaching upon the Warthog net. Lizzy Morelli and Sarah Pegno were all over the field, playing all positions from goali e to forward to fullback, adding to the Warthogs third win of the season.

Special thanks to all who came to cheer the team on.

The St. Mary's Blue Devils improved to 4-1 on the season with consecutive shutout wins over St. Aidan's (5-0) and Our Lady of Lourdes (6-0). Goalkeeping, led by Teddy Himler and Dominick Maimone, and defense, anchored by Michael Fee and Daniel Karges, continue to be the backbone of the team. Tireless halfback play from Colin Quinn, Michael Brennan and Chris DeCerbo was also instrumental in the victories. Fine offensive play was led by goal scorers Jamie Melvin (2), Max Trunz (2), Daniel Karges (2), Ryan Young (2), Kevin Miller, D.J. Cisek and Anthony Vidal.

The second grade team's first game was a tough fought battle vs. St. Aidan's. Jack Meyer's excellent play in the goal for the first half, held St. Aidan's to just one goal. Our defense was led by Mac Galvin with great plays made by Patrick Cosgrove, John Duvnjak, Miles Taylor and Phillip Iordanau. The hard driving offense of Jeff Molinari, Brendan Denihan, Robert Amitrano and Kyle Ondrey was topped off with a goal delivered by J. P. Rinfret. The fine effort of Andrew Ermougenous in the goal the second half was great. The whole team played a very good game. Brendan Denihan, Jeff Molinari and Robert Amitrano were constantly on the ball, applying pressure to St. Aidan's goal tender. Our team will get even better with the additions of Mike Sinclair and Eugene Murphy.

The fifth grade St. Mary's CYO team defeated a very seasoned Sacred Heart of Merrick team. Mark Sauvigne and Eric Fitzig's goal tending held Sacred Heart scoreless. The defense of Brian Cogan and Tom Orelli help keep the ball in our offensive end. The fine play of our halfbacks, Billy Bitter, Colin Ceriello and Terrence Molinari was outstanding. Tommy McDonnell and Scott Williams at forward also added to the team effort. The one goal was scored late in the half by Terrence Molinari on a great pass from Mark Sauvigne. The play of John Kennally, Matt Sutherland and Anthony Celifarco must also be commended. The Raptors continue their winning ways. Over the last two years they have only lost one game, a 3 to 2 loss last year to Cure of Ars, of Merrick. We meet them next week.

On Saturday, an under-manned St. Mary's CYO third grade boys travel soccer team, the Tornados, traveled to Point Lookout to take on the Long Beach CYO team and lost a heart breaker by a score of 3 to 1. The offense was led by T. J. Mallon, who scored the Tornados' lone goal, while several spectacular offensive rushes were led by Richard Parsons, Peter D'Agnes, Matty Roberts and Anthony Albanese. In the middle, playing an excellent two-way game was Michael Impellizeri, Ryan Saldenha and Marc-Andrew Ardito. A harassing defense, led by Carmine DiGruccio, Michael Arsiotis and Zach Wachler caused problems for Long Beach all afternoon. When Long Beach was able to penetrate the defense, Jimmy Barrett was in goal to shut them down.

The Tornados dominated play in the first half and started quickly by scoring the game's first goal midway through the first half; however, they trailed at the half by a score of 2 to 1 as Long Beach tallied on penalty kicks. The second half featured back and forth action with exciting end-to-end rushes, tough defense and great goal tending. The Tornados kept the pressure on Long Beach throughout the second half but lost a nail-biter as Long Beach scored the final goal with under a minute to play.

If you are in third grade and want to have some fun playing travel soccer, the Tornados are looking for a few good men. For more information, please contact Coach Tom or Coach Matt through Cow Neck Soccer at 872-4269.