Prior to their makeup game against the Elwood Lady Terminators, the Shooting Stars, Mineola's U14 Girls Travel Team, knew that the Auburndale Liberty had clinched a first-place berth in Division 5. Despite their disappointment, they set their sights on controlling their own destiny for second place and an opportunity to move into Division 4 in the fall season.

As has been their trademark this season, the Shooting Stars played a controlled game from both an offensive and defensive perspective. Mineola tallied the game's first and only goal on a "tip in" shot by Liz Sanderleaf. Once again, Mineola's defensive unit of Sarah Mooney, Rose Vivinetto, Jessica Antonison and Jessica Napolitano proved themselves a formidable group against Elwood's forwards and a force in front of goalkeeper Joanna Canning.

Despite their second-place finish, the Shooting Stars have many reasons to consider their season a resounding success. With seven wins and two losses, their 21 points are only a point behind the first-place team. Auburndale suffered its only defeat this season at the hands of Mineola, 2-0. Defensively, Mineola's goals-against-average was less than one goal per game and included an impressive, five shutouts. With this second-place finish, Mineola will now be considered by the LIJSL for assignment to Division 4 in the fall.

Congratulations to all the girls and, especially, their Coach Carlos Peralta, for a job well done!