In baseball when a pitcher is pitching a no-hitter, superstition compels his teammates to avoid talking with him about the game for fear of jinxing his chances to accomplish the feat. However, as a reporter for this team's accomplishments, my talking about the distinct possibility that this team will experience an undefeated season should have no effect on the outcome. As of this reporter the JV team's record stands at 11 wins and 0 losses. The JV team has beaten Manhasset, Glen Cove and Jericho once, and Mepham, Friends Academy, Carey and Long Beach twice. While their record is impressive, it is important to report not only the statistics, but about the character of this team and its coach.

Statistically, in compiling their current record, the defensive unit has "pitched" nine shutouts, with six of those games having no opposition shots on goal. In their 11 games, the defense has given up only three goals. An 0.27 "goals against" average. The defensive unit, playing an aggressive combination of ball control and man-to-man defense, is led by a committee of players consisting of Margaret Phelan, Jess Handibode, Jen Costa and Jess Napolitano. While the goalie unit, shared by Nicole Peralta and Jess Antonison has been afforded the luxury of six games without a shot on goal, their game is characterized by full body dives and aggressive pursuit of the ball.

Offensively, Mineola has scored 44 goals to date. A 4.0 "goals for" average. The forward unit has combined strength, quickness and accurate passing to create a barrage of shots on their opponent's goal. To date, Caitlin Herrera leads the team with 14 goals and two assists, followed closely by Caitlin Orlando with 12 goals and eight assists, Katie Steen with eight goals and five assists and Katie Koogan with one goal. This unit not only scores goals, but creates opportunities as evidenced by their impressive assist totals. The midfield unit has played the "transitional" game with an offensive mind, as evidenced by their scoring abilities. To date, Liz Sanderleaf leads the midfielders with four goals and two assists, followed by Melissa Dekanchuk with two goals and one assist, Kristin Bubelis with one goal and three assists, Michelle McGuinness with one goal and two assists and Katie Hughes with one goal.

While not every girl has had the opportunity to score, no team could maintain these impressive statistics without a strong bench. Coach Massaro has had the luxury of bringing in players such as Sephanie Cifuentes, Jules Gabinelli and Courtney O'Connell to allow the starters to catch their breath or cool off during the game. These girls have shown the versatility to maintain a high caliber of play in a number of different positions. In addition to these ladies, the rest of the team has shown their ability to play at a number of different positions.

While statistics are important, an equally important statistic is the display of sportsmanship qualities during the season. In a few games this season, Mineola has played against teams which did not possess the skill set necessary to compete on the same level as Mineola. Quietly, this team and its coach did not run up the score on their opponent, when it easily could have .

As Mineola moves to the last games of its season, it will undoubtedly keep its collective eye on its goal of an undefeated season. However, should they in some way lose a game and fail to achieve their goal, their season should be measured as not less than a resounding success and one that met those "great expectations.'