The Mineola High School varsity girls lacrosse team 's first season in Division-I continues to be an education. While the Lady Laxers battle long odds, they continue to do so with spirit and purpose. When you're playing in one of the premier prep lacrosse leagues in the country, wins don't come easily. Coach Katie Sheehan always comments on how hard the girls are playing. The wins will eventually come with hard work.

A win wouldn't come in a game against New Hyde Park as Mineola dropped an 11-5 decision. "I categorize this loss as a disappointing one because I don't like to lose. But, I'm not disappointed in the team's play," Coach Sheehan said.

Mineola battled through 13 minutes of an evenly played contest before New Hyde Park got on the board. "Our defense stood up well in the first half. But, when the defense did dislodge the ball, it seemed inevitably to go back in New Hyde Park's laps," said Coach Sheehan.

Mineola regrouped and did a much better job on midfield transition in the second half. Coach Sheehan pointed out that several players stood out in the game. Danielle Adams controlled over 95 percent of the draws. Amy Kemmler scored her first varsity goals. Leanne Bohach had an exceptional game on defense. Ally Murphy racked up 12 saves for a save percentage of 52. Adams, Kemmler, Alison Carnabuci, Maryanne Georgeou and Vikki Montalbano each scored a goal in the game.

In their next contest, Mineola squared off against another perennial lacrosse power in Garden City. This game marked the first time these neighboring schools have played each other in this sport. Despite a 16-5 Garden City victory, Coach Sheehan said her squad played well. "We were able to hold the Lady Trojans in check for the first 13 minutes of the game while Vikki Montalbano and Juliet Barber scored. Then, Garden City found its groove and showed why they are ranked 11th in the nation," said Coach Sheehan. "If I were to pinpoint one player, I would have to pinpoint them all. I was just so happy with everyone's effort, determination and skill."

Vikki Montalbano scored four goals for Mineola and Juliet Barber had one.

Next time on the field, Mineola suffered a 12-7 loss to Wantagh. The Lady Mustangs had trouble finding the net. Danielle Adams finally got them on board with 39 seconds left in the first half.

The second half saw Mineola play much stronger. Vikki Montalbano scored three times as the Mustangs outscored Wantagh 6-5 in the half. "Ally Murphy did a superb job leading the defense. She stopped over 22 shots for a save percentage of 65. The entire defense did a great job keeping the Lady Warriors at bay," said Coach Sheehan, referring to Lauren Anderson, Theresa Dolan, Leanne Bohach, Amy Kemmler, Margaret Phelan, Joanna Canning and Alison Auriemmo.

Danielle Adams ended up with two goals while Juliet Barber and Courtney O'Connell also scored.