After two impressive wins to start tournament play, the "dream season" for the Manhasset 9/10 year old Williamsport team came to a temporary end. The tough rival team from Albertson came into town with the task of having to beat us twice. Game one, changed to Munsey Park school field after vandals ruined Valley Park for that evening, was a lesson in frustration. The Manhasset pitching staff issued 18 walks, a difficult obstacle to overcome. Game two was a much different story. Although we gave up an additional 15 walks, not one ball was hit out of the infield due to the stellar play of the Manhasset infielders. A classic was witnessed by all, even admittedly, by the umpires. The players on both teams showed why they belonged in the district final by battling back and forth to an 18-17 final score.

The team was led this year by fifth-graders Kristen Leung and Maggie Richenbach. Our rock solid infield, Morgan Mallon behind the plate, Juliette deVenoge at third, Cara Cappellini at first and the great team work of middle infielders

Jenna Accardi at second and Christina Gambino at short was a coach's delight to watch. Playing the Manhasset outfield was standout Meg Markham in left who had some key hits. Along with Maggie Richenbach in center and the 1, 2, 3 punch in right of Nicole Sockett, Paige Pacent and Alex Wysota, not many balls got through. Our reserves had a great run as well, Claudia Sbuttoni and Alison Brosky had some big hits in big spots. We certainly missed Mia Cosentino who sat out after game one.

My thanks to fellow coaches John Markham and Rocky Pacent, both taking alot of the pressure off, as well as all of the parents.

A message to the Manhasset Little League 9/10 team:

It was an experience I will not soon forget because all but two of you had never played competetive tournament softball before. I am so very proud of each and every player who participated, all of the girls who tried out and the girls that will join the squad for the rest of the summer. You girls showed that the time you had invested and some very hard work (on some very hot and sticky nights) payed some big dividends. Thank you for the privelege and will look forward to the rest of the summer playing softball and proving that Manhasset girls do "belong." I love you guys!

"Coach" Jim Accardi

Our summer season continues at Merrillon on Thursday evening at 6 p.m. It would be a big boost to these girls if Manhasset's faithful turned out to support the Manhasset Little League's finest.