Well, the Mineola High School sports year is officially over. And what a year it was! All of our teams worked hard this year and represented their school and community with pride. We had many of our athletes recognized on the conference and countywide basis. Our teams made post season play, highlighted by the exciting play of our football team in the playoffs at Hofstra stadium, and the first conference championship that was won by our girls varsity lacrosse team in only their third varsity season. Our varsity baseball team also finished their playoff schedule after a strong regular season. Yes, the Mineola school community has much to be proud of.

The past few weeks saw our girls lacrosse team make their mark on Nassau County lacrosse. The Lady Mustangs finished their season as conference champs. A tremendous accomplishment for these girls who only four years ago had never played the game. Well, not only were these girls talented on the field, they were intelligent also, learning the game in a few short years, and taking their skill and knowledge to a championship. Much credit goes to Coaches Kate Sheehan and Christine Wiedman for their dedication, leadership and persistence. Let's also not forget Coach Jen Peck at the middle school. It is there that interest in the sport is cultivated and Coach Peck does a fantastic job. Here are the highlights of the last few games of the season and the playoffs.

Championship earned during a 12-2 season.

This season started off as expected with our offense leading the way. The offense returned intact from the '99 season except for the loss of Nicki Adams to graduation. Additions to the offense this season were junior Mary Warren and freshman Nikole Tsbasis.

The big question for the 2000 season was how would the defense fair. This unit was returning only three players: Seniors Diane Macedo and Kate Nelson and sophomore Lauren Anderson. Added to the defensive picture were seniors Rachel Moston and Chloe Tonini who were both lost last season due to injury. Newcomers to the varsity defensive picture were juniors Elena Nuzzi and Vanessa Papadimitrios; sophomore Vikki Montalbano, even though she likes offense better, and freshman Theresa Dolan.

As the season kicked off, the team made a definitive statement to the rest of the league, defeating each league opponent in their first five contests. At the Conference Crossover games the girls suffered their first defeat to #3 Cold Spring Harbor while defeating #15 West Hempstead. The pressure intensified as the season progressed and Mineola became the team to beat. The girls reponded to that pressure by defeating teir next four opponents.

Late in the season the team came upon a very determined Floral Park squad and suffered their second loss of the season. The girls went on to win their last three contests ending the season tied for the championship with Floral Park with a 12-2 record.

This record assured the girls a spot in the playoff picture. Ranked seventh, Mineola was slated against a very determined #10 Lynbrook. The girls played poorly in the first half, which Lynbrook used to their advantage. Playing better in the second half was not enough for the team to overcome the first half deficit, losing to Lynbrook 10-14. This early loss in the playoffs should not overshadow a wonderful season.

Offensively, the team exceeded all expectations. Katherine Hock picked up right where she had left off last season scoring a personal and team high of 59 goals this past season. Last season Katherine had been responsible for 35 percent of the scoring for the team. Due to hard work and advanced skill of her teammates, Katherine was only responsible for 26 percent of the scoring this season. Jamie Carter, playing from the midfield, scored 33 goals this season, while Samantha Didrikson and Mary Warren were right behind her scoring 30 goals apiece. Other players presenting an offensive threat were Deena Vezo, with 21 goals, Vikki Montalbano, the defender, with 19 goals, Danielle Adams, with nine goals, and Nikole Tsbasis with eight goals.

The one big improvement seen in the offense this season, outside of their proliferation of goals, is the increase in their passing game. This is evidenced by the increase in the number of assists from last season to this season. Last season the team had 64 assists while this season they had 99 assists, a percentage increase of 55.

The increase in assists is due directly to the passing which developed tremendously during the off-season. Additionally, it was sweet to watch as the number of players going lefty and righty during contests improved.

The defense, which was the pre-season concern, stepped up to the challenge. Kate Nelson and Lauren Anderson once again took over securing the midfield; added to this combination was freshman Theresa Dolan. This trio did a stupendous job this season. They were responsible for stopping the offensive transition of the opposing team, which they did very well.

Returning to the lineup after last season's injuries were Rachel Moston and Chloe Tonini. For the most part they were responsible for protecting the low offenders and protecting the goal from the behind the cage shot. Our opponents, after encountering Rachel or Chloe, realized they had to change their game plan.

Filling in as utility players and going in wherever needed, were Vikki Montalbano, Vanessa Papadimitrios and Elena Nuzzi. This trio was very proficient at studying the opposing team and fitting into the defense when inserted.

Finally, as our last line of defense, we had Diane Macedo in goal. Diane had a spectacular season. Even though her save percentage of 63 percent did not increase from last season to this, anyone watching her play could see the vast improvements she had made in the off-season. Diane was much more aggressive toward the opposing team thereby making many interceptions during the season. Additionally, Diane saw all of the action in goal this season, since an early season decision to go with only one varsity goalie. Diane saved an incredible 225 shots compared to last season's 125.

Increasing our goals scored percentage, 58 percent, and our assist percentage, 55 percent, was a huge reason for our success this season. Changes will be made for the 2001 season due to losses of some key players to graduation. As the off-season heats up I am sure the girls are up to the challenges that lie ahead.

A Terrific Finish!

The girls played their season finale on an ideal spring day. (Our first!) The girls responded beautifully to the weather defeating Friends Academy for the second time this season by a score of 17-7. This victory gave the girls the conference championship*, the teams first in its three year history.

The team's offense was impressive in the first half, jumping out to a 7 to 13 lead by halftime. In the second half the girls pressure did not relent as they went on to score 10 goals in the second half as compared to Friend's 4.

Very impressive in today's win was the defensive pressure. Diane Macedo had one of her best games this season tallying 25 saves. The defense, led by Kate Nelson and Lauren Anderson, followed Diane's lead and had some of their personal bests today also. Kate Nelson controlled Katie Fahey for a majority of the game limiting her to only two goals. Lauren Andersons role was to control Lauren Stellato, Friend's other offensive threat. The one time Lauren Anderson was pulled off of Lauren Stellato, she was able to sneak in her only goal of the game.

The rest of the defense, Theresa Dolan, Vanessa Papadimitrios, Elena Nuzzi and Rachel Moston controlled the rest of the offensive threat presented by Friends. Without this unit level of play today the outcome of this game would have been very difficult.

Katherine Hock led the offensive threat on this day, with four goals and three assists. Jamie Carter was right behind her with four goals. Danielle Adams, Vikki Montalbano and Deena Vezo each tallied two goals apiece. Samantha Didrikson, Theresa Dolan and Mary Warren each added a goal.

After a coaches' meeting Tuesday evening the team will be notified of the playoff schedule. The first game will be played on Thursday; the next game will be played on Saturday. Stay tuned.

* We tied with Floral Park for first place

I Am So Fortunate!

I have the best job. Coaching these 16 girls has been just tremendous. I think what makes it so wonderful is that I was privileged to coach a team and not 16 individuals. I guess that is what makes today's loss so tough.

Today's loss to Lynbrook, 10-14, saw two well matched teams playing a good game. In the first half, Mineola's transition was not working which limited Mineola's offensive threat. In the second half things started to work better, but it was a little too late.

Defensively, Diane Macedo had one of her best games, saving 26 shots for a save percentage of 65 percent. In front of her, Rachel Moston, Vanessa Papadimitrios, Elena Nuzzi, Theresa Dolan, Lauren Anderson and Kate Nelson did a wonderful job defensively.

Offensively , Katherine Hock led all scorers with five goals. Jamie Carter tallied two goals. Sam Didrikson, Vikki Montalbano and Deena Vezo each scored a goal.

On a more positive note several of our players are being recognized by the Nassau County Girls Lacrosse Coaches Association for their play this past season.

Samantha Didrikson - All-County

Katherine Hock - All-County

Diane Macedo - Honorable Mention All-County

Kate Nelson - All-Conference

Rachel Moston - Scholar-Athlete Award

Chloe Tonini - Unsung Hero Award

The entire girls varsity team should be proud of all they accomplished this past season. Remember, if you learn from your past, you will always be successful in the future.

National Academic All-American - Samantha Didrikson, Katherine Hock, Rachel Moston, Kate Nelson, Elena Nuzzi, Deena Vezo.

Section 8 - All-County Award - Samantha Didrikson, Katherine Hock.

Section 8 - Honorable Mention All-County Award - Diane Macedo.

Section 8 - All-Conference Award - Kate Nelson.

Section 8 - Unsung Hero - Chloe Tonini.

Section 8 - Scholar Athlete Award - Rachel Moston.

Strive for Excellence - Jamie Carter, Deena Vezo, Mary Warren.

Lauren Anderson, Theresa Dolan, Katherine Hock, Victoria Montalbano, Rachel Moston, Kate Nelson, Elena Nuzzi, Vanessa Papadimitrios, Chloe Tonini, Nikole Tsbasis, Deena Vezo.

- * * * *

The baseball team also had a great year, with an apperance in the Class B playoffs. Making it to the second round with a win over Hewlett on Prom Night, the Mustangs eventually lost a tough game to perennial playoff nemesis Wantagh. A good season for sure! Congratulations to Coach Borhinger and the entire team.

The Mineola varsity baseball team reached the semifinals of Nassau County Class B Tournament. The Mustangs concluded a good year by playing their best baseball toward the end of the year, including the playoffs the team won 11 out of 13 games. The team reached the semis after defeating Hewlett and Wantagh. In the semifinals, the Stangs came up short as they had to play Wantagh again and they lost 10-2.

Here is the recap of the playoff games.

Mineola 7 - Hewlett 2

WP - Joe Penny

Behind a strong pitching performance from senior Joe Penny, the Mustangs defeated the Bulldogs of Hewlett by a score of 7-2. The Mustangs started off slowly as they fell behind 1-0. In the bottom of the third Mineola took the lead 2-1. Tom McPartland led off with a single, then stole second. Peter Teemsma followed with a walk and Steve Bruno sacrificed them over but the pitcher had trouble with the bunt and everybody was safe. Bryan Gallucci followed what looked like a base hit up the middle but the shortstop flipped to second to get the force. Jon Debrich followed with a clean single to left to give the Stangs the lead. After Hewlett tied the score in the top of the fifth on a perfectly executed squeeze play, Mineola responded as they have all season by scoring five runs to take a commanding 7-2 lead, Mineola ripped six consecutive hits to bring the crowd to its feet in approval. The inning started with a double by Peter Teemsma, single by Steve Bruno creating a first and third situation. Gallucci singled home Teemsma, Debrich doubled home a run (after failing on a squeeze attempt). Billy Liakonis drove home Jon with a single to right. Then something Bryan Gabriel has been waiting for all season, he took a 3-1 fastball and deposited into the bus yard for a two-run homerun. Joe Penny did the rest as he settled down and held Hewlett hitless for the final two innings.

Game #2

Mineola 10 - Wantagh 2

WP - Brian Sallie

In round two, Mineola played Wantagh which defeated Clarke by the score of 7-3. In this battle of 4 seed versus 8, Mineola gladly accepted the challenge and came out swinging as they scored four runs in the first three innings. Big hits were by Jon Debrich (double), Steve Bruno (two RBI singles), and aggressive base running. Starting pitcher Brian Sallie was in control as he scattered seven hits for the complete game win. Wantagh edged the score to 5-2, the Stangs went to work in the top of the sixth. Adam Tuthill singled, stole second after an out. Peter Teemsma followed with a double. The Wantagh pitcher then struck the next batter out and seemed to be out of the jam except Bryan Gallucci singled Peter home, Jon Debrich walked and after a wild pitch brought Gallucci home. Billy Liakonis delivered a tremendous blast over the left centerfield fence for a two run homerun. His second of the day, Sallie finished strong as the Mustangs were moving on to the semifinals.

Game #3

Wantagh 10 - Mineola 2

LP-Bryan Gallucci

In a reversal of the score from the earlier game, Wantagh showed why they were B-2 champions as they defeated Mineola 10-2. In a game which felt like both teams were waiting for each other to make a mistake, Mineola seemed up to the challenge as they had a fantastic double play that had a runner thrown out at the plate by rightfielder Steve Bruno and after a mild collision at the plate, catcher Jon Debrich threw a perfect strike to second to eliminate the batter runner. Mineola could only muster four hits of Wantagh's starting pitcher. Mineola's early season defensive woes came back to haunt them as they committed four errors in the fourth which led to four Warrior runs. Mineola showed some resolve as they cut the deficit in half by getting two in the top of the sixth. Owen Dugan scored on a single by Bryan Gabriel and Jon Debrich scored after he stole third and the ball went into short left field. With the tying run at the plate, Mineola's rally ended with a strike out. Unfortunately, starting pitcher Bryan Gallucci tired in the bottom of the sixth. He gave up a lead off homerun, and the rout was on as Wantagh scored a total of six runs to give them a 10-2 lead. The highlight for Wantagh was a grand slam home run. Mineola went quietly in the seventh and the seaon was over.

The Mustangs have a lot to be proud about as they reached the semifinals and ended the season as one of the top four teams in the B tournament. They finished in second place in League B-III with a 13-5 record (16-7 overall). The Mustangs have a good nucleus of returning players especially starting pitchers Brian Sallie and Bryan Gallucci who won five games apiece.

To the seniors - thanks for a great run and good luck to you in your future!

Coach Bohringer

* * * *

The softball team also made the county playoffs and had a great season. Coach Vitale had an unusually unselfish group of players this year, as many of them were asked to play out of their regular positions for the team. They did so willingly! That is the essence of the word team, and became the essence and the character of this team. Coach Vitale has submitted these last highlights for the 2000 season.

The Lady Mustangs finished their season with a record of 6-10, a third place finish in conference IIB and an overall finish of 10th in Nassau County. Leslee Brown did the unselfish act of moving from her centerfield position (which she held for three years) and became the catcher. She also batted an impressive .421 and for the third consecutive year was awarded All-County honors and will also participate in the senior all-star game.

Kim Rossi was asked to move from the outfield and take over first base for the injured Erin Gloghessy. Kim also moved into the #4 batting slot, batting .310. For her impressive play, Kim was awarded All-Conference honors and she will join Leslee in the senior All-Star game.

Tara Georges continued to be consistent and keep us in games. She guided us to our tenth seeding spot. For her efforts she was awarded All-Conference honors for the second consecutive year.

Vicky Russo, who is the only freshman on our team, had an exciting first year. She batted second, batting .339 and starred a field at second base. For her hard work she was awarded All-Division honors.

After the rain stopped Mineola played the first round of the playoffs against seventh seed Plainedge. The two teams had seen each other two times in the regular season. Both games went to Plainedge. Once again Plainedge defeated Mineola 4-1. Leslee Brown ended her softball career in her last at bat with a solo home run.

Congratulations to all of our players for their hard work and effort. Good luck to our seniors. Leslee Brown (Pikes Peak CC), Erin Cloghessy (Central Connecticut), Kim Rossi (Marist), and Mary Kate Tosinski (St. Thomas Aquinus).

* * * *

As you read this solumn, the Athletic Booster Club will have celebrated a successful year with their annual sports awards dinner. On June 6, the entire athletic department staff and school community will recognize the varsity athletes for their many accomplishments. The Booster Club works all year for this evening. Our fund-raising efforts are showcased when we distribute many thousands of dollars of scholarships and sports camp tuitions. We continue to support all the student athletes and teams of the district. That is our mission and our passion. We thank our many members for their support and hard work this past years, and invite those of you who are not members to join us next year. This is a great parent and teacher organization and we encourage all of you to get involved. Start slow! We won't ask too much of you, only that you give up one night a month, and get to know what we are all about.

Next week we will wrap up the year with a final report on the Booster Club dinner and the announcement of the male and female athletes of the year.