Sweltering 90( heat and a formidable Lynbrook team, could not make these girls melt. Thanks to the generous efforts of many parents there was plenty of water and ice to keep these girls anxious, but cool.

Manhasset came out on the offensive and never let up. Megan Breen (one goal), Kaitlin Miller (two goals), Charlotte Avallone (two goals) and Olivia Henry (1 goal) combined for a total of 13 goals and assists. But it was the total team effort and extraordinary goaltending of Megan Herschlein (19 saves) and Leah Serres (five saves) who marked the game.

Regan McCooey (one goal) known for her untiring defensive play scored her first goal of the season as did Devon Denihan (one goal) Other players who scored included Tara Prufeta (one goal), Amanda Morici (one goal), Erin Connors (one goal) and Brittany Crummins (one goal). Players with assists included Halle Majorana, Caitlin Cook, Julia Comerford, Alexa Lopez and Katie Keane.

But saves, goals and assists occur only when your teammates Carolina Dixon, Caroline Keogh, Kristin Lewis, Antonia Parsons and Olivia Parisi play tough defense, fight hard for ground balls and execute solid passes. In several instances, these girls completed five or six passes before realizing a goal or assist.

Great job girls! Keep up the great teamwork!

Manhasset 12 - Lynbrook 4

The fourth grade Laxers coached by Roger Coleman, Brian Maimone and Peter Burger let their opponents know that they come ready to play. Undefeated in six games (5-0-1) thus far, the boys have demonstrated that the fundamentals - ground balls, passing and catching combined with the intangibles of hustle, determination, sportsmanship, and trusting your teammates - win games. Here is a quick recap of the season thus far:

In its first game on Cold Spring Harbor's turf field, the Laxers took control early. With Jack Vessa's game-leading five goals and two assists and Christian Zanetis' two goals/three assists game, the boys pushed back a furious comeback attempt by Cold Spring Harbor. Ryan Can was a wall with 11 saves as goalkeeper. Final score - Manhasset 7, CSH 5.

On an overcast Sunday in April, second game opponent Rockville Centre started the game undefeated; they did not remain so as Manhasset groundballs (29 to 11 advantage) won the day and the game. Christian Zanetis scored five goals and an assist while scooping up six groundballs followed by Stefan Pate with grabbing five groundballs and adding two clears. Kevin Katzmann joined the scoring barrage by firing two goals and an assist while Garret Cramer sprinted off a face-off to score a brilliant, uncontested goal. Roger Coleman added an assist to round out the scoring. Tough, aggressive play with poise was the theme of the day for the Laxers - no penalties were recorded either by our proud Manhasset players. Ryan Can recorded five saves. Final score - Manhasset 8, Rockville Center 5.

Next stop - Huntington. With weather conditions reminiscent of the "Fog Bowl," our boys executed one of their most impressive victories of the season. Arguably the team to beat this year, the undefeated Huntington (yes - they beat Long Beach 9-7) took to the field, only to find themselves looking into the eyes of a very determined Manhasset squad. Looking for some clarity, Roger "the Rocket" Coleman launched out with seven groundballs, four clears and a critical late goal that ended up being the game-winning "net-ripper." Stefan Pate scooped up six groundballs while Alessandro Troia played a stellar, physical defense while nabbing four groundballs. Christian Zanetis fired in a goal and added two assists. Jack Vessa scored a deuce and Kevin Katzmann rounded the scoring effort with a goal. Ryan Can denied nine Huntington scoring opportunities. Final score - Manhasset 5, Huntington 4.

West Islip - The boys, eager to avenge the loss the other Manhasset fourth grade team experienced against West Islip, our little Indians sprang into action on this Mother's Day extravaganza. In addition to red flowers for their mothers on Mother's Day, the "mama's boys" gave their moms a victory over West Islip. At both ends of the field, the Laxers gave gifts that only a Lax mom could love - groundballs (28 to be exact) and scoring efficiency (50 percent). Alessandro Troia and Jack Vessa led the groundball parade with five each. Christian Zanetis scooped up three groundballs and had his second five-goal game (Moms like goals too - except goalies' moms) to go along with an assist. Travis Burger (one assist) and Kevin Katzmann scored a goal each for the Manhasset team that recorded half its shots with a goal - now that's efficient, mom! Ryan Can turned back six shots by West Islip. Final score - Manhasset 8, West Islip 4. Happy Mother's Day!

On to Wantagh - On a field muddied by earlier games and heavy rain from the night before, the fourth grade Laxers looked a bit shell shocked as they quickly fell behind 4 to 1 in the first period against a very large and physical Wantagh team. 'Never quit' was the theme that day and with a minute elapsed in the second quarter, Michael Mancini started up the scoring with a bullet from the left side to close the gap to 4-2. Less than 30 seconds later, Kevin Katzmann followed with another goal. Wantagh wisely called a timeout to settle the team down. However, the boys had other plans and in the spirit of "Remember the Titans," started a cheer that lasted the entire timeout, which further rattled the Wantagh laxers. At the end of that period, the score was 9-5 Manhasset with Kevin Katzmann scoring five of the eight goals that period. Christian Zanetis (three goals, one assist) and Jack Vessa (two goals and one assist) rounded out the scoring. Ryan Can recorded eight saves. Final score - Manhasset 11, Wantagh 7.

Friday night under the lights at the Manhasset High School stadium was a great night for both the Manhasset Indians, and their worthy opponents from Three Villages. The game seesawed for most of the game. Manhasset played catch-up right to the very end. While the Three Villages team out-grabbed the majority of ground balls, the Laxers out-shot Three Villages 20-9. It was a defensive game and Three Villages is an excellent team - but remember, it takes Three Villages to play a Manhasset Lax team. Although being bested in groundballs and scoring efficiency, the Laxers held tough and persevered throughout the game. The exciting finish was highlighted by numerous scrambles for the ball and Jack Vessa's acrobatic leap and goal with 32 seconds left in the game to seal the tie. Jack finished with two goals with Kevin Katzmann (two goals, one assist), Christian Zanetis (one goal, two assists), Michael Mancini (one goal) and Roger Coleman (one assist) to round out the scoring effort. Ryan Can recorded three saves. Final score - Manhasset 6, Three Villages 6.

Through the season, the boys have played disciplined sound lacrosse with great versatile play from players who play multiple positions such as Rocco Miamone, Joe Pollicino and John Patrick Kiggins who play attack, middie and defense. Defensive Austin Smilovic has been excellent in containment. On attack and middie, A.J. Muran, Lucas Smilios, Chris Cordi and Paddy Pilch have scooped up groundballs and in the crease have made it unpleasant for excellent opposing goalies. Next game is June 3 against Bayville and the season finale on June 6 at Long Beach.