It was a cold and blustery day in Rockville Centre this past Sunday as Coach Bill Miller's Manhasset Mohicans Sixth Grade Lacrosse team opened their 2001 spring season.

With some changes from last year's squad and injured goalie Fritz Schoenhut on the sidelines, the Mohicans began this game as they have most others trailing quickly 2 to 0. It seemed as though the Mohicans were going to be in for a difficult start to the season but goalie Teddy Himler (seven saves, game ball honors) got comfortable in the cage and with a key stop, ignited the Manhasset attack.

Kevin Miller (3g, 4a), Geoff Horowitz (3g, game ball honors) and Scott Herdemian (1a) each played big roles in the team's early comeback. As the Mohicans scored the next three goals to gain the lead, they exhibited selfless play in transition and during "man-up" situations. Horowitz and Miller, specifically, worked well with each other exhibiting the communication skills an attack must have as a unit to be successful.

The midfield line of Mike Brennan (2g, 1a, game ball honors), Max Trunz (2g, 2a) and Danny Mullin (1g, 3a) quickly dashed any comeback ideas the RVC team may have thought of as each player answered an RVC tying goal with one of their own. Trunz had two dynamic "quick stick" goals, one from just in front of the crease and another from 15 yards that showed great athletic ability. Brennan, who as usual led the team in ground ball pick-ups, scored with eight seconds in the half on a nifty one on one dodge with RVC's toughest defender. Jack Scanlon, Steven Colalillo (1g) and Chris Lyons (1a) played tough defensively and created offensive opportunities when play allowed.

Defensively, the team started the game somewhat unsettled. With practice rainouts and other scheduling difficulties, the unit took some time to get "their game" back in order. However, once they did, starters Jeff MacMillen, Mike Gould, Mike Gotimer kept pace nicely. Chad Fabuss, James McKenna and James Melvin played their usual positional play to lock up the victory.

The Mohicans have little time to savor the win as they play archrival Cold Spring Harbor Sunday, April 8 at 2 p.m. on the high school field. Play hard, boys, you will have plenty of time to rest after next week's game!

Over 40 Manhasset first and second grade girls successfully completed a fun-filled and challenging basketball clinic held each Saturday afternoon which ran from December through March. Each week the girls would meet at Immaculata Hall at St. Mary's and work very hard. They were equally divided into four stations detailing shooting, dribbling, passing and defense. Towards the end of the clinic, the girls were split into different teams and exhibited their improved skills by competing in various competitions. Keep up the good work.

Many thanks to Steve Leondis and all the fathers who helped out each week.