The boys varsity soccer team defeated previously unbeaten Westbury 1-0 on Oct. 9 on a goal by Marcelo Pereira with under 10 minutes remaining in the game. The entire team played an outstanding game against a very tough opponent. Mineola was led on defense by Leondro Moreira, Andre Mendes and Billy Liakonis. Goalie Gerard Strein recorded his first shutout of the season. The mustangs dominated the midfield with great efforts by David Jose, Justin Clingo, Danny Morais, Danny Correia and Richie Doell.

After a slow start the girls varsity soccer team has gotten back on track. On Oct. 7 they defeated Valley Stream North by a score of 1-0. Erin Cloghessy took a direct kick from 25 yards out that hit the cross bar and bounced back into play where Mineola had four attacking players on the rebound. Trisha Gettler was the first to attack the ball and put it in the back of the net. That was all Mineola needed. Outstanding play by Daniella Santamaria, Kerrin Hughes, Sam Didrikson and goalkeeper Kristina Tsabasis who had nine saves.

On Oct. 14 the girls defeated Friends Academy with a score of 5-0. Daniella Santamaria scored two goals and Trisha Gettler, Nicole Adams, and Katherine Hock each added one. Excellent defense was played by Alison Xanthus and Jamie Carter. Kirstina Tsabasis recorded seven saves to give her fourth shutout of the season. A great game was played by all.

The following highlights are a sample of games played earlier this month. Needless to say, the Lady Mustangs are in control of their conference as of this writing. Here are some October highlights:

Oct. 1 Mineola vs. North Shore

Mineola: 15, 15, 16 - North Shore: 1, 2, 14

The Mustangs sweeped North shore in three games to remain 6-0 in conference play. Theresa Sommer had five aces and 10 assists, Kristin Cusato had six kills, Leslee Brown added four aces to defeat North Shore.

Oct. 4 Mineola vs. Seaford

Mineola: 15, 15, 16, 15 - Seaford: 8, 4, 18, 9

The team currently 7-0 in conference play has been working hard to limit mistakes and try out new plays. We're looking forward to the return of our two injured to the squad, Ashley O'Neill and Kim Rossi, Lauren Scala had 10 aces, seven kills, Lauren Niewender added seven kills, seven blocks, five aces, Kristin Cusato had seven kills, Theresa Sommer had 16 assists, Lauren Callahan had three kills, two blocks, Heather Savignano had four kills, three blocks.

Mineola: 15, 15, 11, 15 - Calhoun: 4, 5, 15, 9

This game had special meaning to the team because Calhoun knocked them out of the first round of the playoffs last year. Kristin Cusato, Lauren Niewender, Heather Savignano and Lauren Scala all had seven kills. Theresa Sommer had 4 aces, 16 assists. Ashley O'Neill had three aces and nine assists.

On Wednesday, Oct. 14, the Lady Mustangs Volleyball team defeated their conference opponents from Lynbrook. Lynbrook was an important match because Mineola had given them their only loss. If they had won this game, there would have been a tie for first place.

The Mustangs fought a tough four game battle 15-9, 15-13, 10-15, and 17-15 to remain undefeated and in first place in the conference. Seniors Theresa Sommers, Kristen Cusato, Heather Savignano and Nancy Loopes led the team. The juniors are Lauren Niewender, Lauren Scala, Leslee Brown, Kim Rossi and Mary Alice Forness. The sophomores are Ashley O'Neill, Vanessa Papadimitrios and Lauren Callahan.

Theresa Sommer ran the offense with 31 assists and 20 digs while Kristine Cusalto had eight kills and Lauren Scala's 11 kills found the floor. The middle blockers did a great job being a force at he net with Lauren Niewender contributing six blocks and nine kills and Heather Savignano adding five blocks of her won. Nancy Lopes showed great hustle with 30 digs. Leslee Brown did an excellent job playing defense and returning tough serves. All the players showed the "Mustang Spirit" by supporting each other and fighting to the end.