Coming off a season in which they finished first in LIJSL Division 5, the Shooting Stars had every reason to feel good about themselves. An undefeated season, combined with the fact that all of the players from the spring team would be coming back for the fall season, and this team was definitely primed for another sensational season. While the teams that faced the Shooting Stars during the season recognized an impressive team, so did the LIJSL. So impressed was the LIJSL with their accomplishments during the Fall 2002 and Spring 2003 seasons, that they moved the team to Division 3. While a move to a higher division could be expected, the move up two divisions was surprising.

Looking to get off to a fast start, the Shooting Stars faced their arch-rival, the Manorville Meteorites. Having played and lost to Manorville in both a State Cup and regular season games, the Shooting Stars looked to finally posting a win. Playing with a mission, the Shooting Stars opened the scoring on a goal by Christine Medlock. Clearly up for this game, the Shooting Stars played well at both ends of the field, holding Manorville scoreless in the first half. Opening the second half, the Shooting Star's offense took control as Gabby Lamberta scored her first goal of the season to put the Shooting Stars up 2-0. While Manorville did answer with a goal of their own in the second half, the Shooting Stars mounted a defensive push of their own in the latter part of the second half and secured a satisfying win 2-1.

Hoping to build on their opening win, the Shooting Stars took to the road against the Plainedge Survivors. From the opening whistle, the Shooting Stars were clearly out of sync and not playing their normal game. Seemingly a step behind in the race to the ball, and sending stray passes in every direction, Plainedge took advantage of a Shooting Star's miscue in defensive zone to score the game's first goal. Holding their 1-0 lead in the second half, Plainedge looked to score a second goal early to put the game away. However, the Shooting Stars fought back to control the game in the second half, tied the score at 1-1 on a goal by Aileen Hogarty, and walked away with a point in the standings on a tough day.

Looking to get back on the winning track, the Shooting Stars faced the Deer Park Lightning at Tully Field. Playing their most complete game of the year, the Shooting Stars opened the scoring on a goal by Gabby Lamberta. From both an offensive and defensive perspective, the Shooting Stars put on a clinic of how to pass, play the man (or woman in this case) and use the whole field. While Christine Medlock scored a goal in the second half to put the Shooting Stars up 2-0, the score of the game was no indication of how fundamentally well the team played their game.

With the soft part of their schedule ahead of them, the Shooting Stars needed to keep their focus, continue to play their game and fatten their point total for their run against the elite teams in the division. Playing back home at Tully Park, the Shooting Stars faced the New Hyde Park Lady Lynx. The Lady Lynx opened the scoring with a shot from the top of the box to take a 1-0 lead. Looking to stop any swing in momentum, the Shooting Stars stepped up their efforts in the Lady Lynx defensive zone, but they could not connect as the first half came to a close, down 1-0. Opening the second half, the Shooting Stars tied the score on a corner kick by Jess Antonison, headed in by Jaime Medlock. From there, the Shooting Stars never looked back as Aileen Hogarty, Liz Sanderleaf and Christine Medlock scored to convincingly put the Lady Lynx away 4-1.

Continuing their impressive play, the Shooting Stars next faced the Smithtown Genesis at Harbor Links. With a stiff wind at their backs the Shooting Stars put on a scoring clinic as they moved out to a 7-1 lead at the half. Opening the second half with the wind at their backs, Smithtown scored two goals to draw a bit closer at 7-3. However, the Shooting Stars answered with three goals of their own to dominate in a 10-3 win. Leading the charge was Hogarty who led the team with four goals, followed by Jaime Medlock and Lamberta with two goals each and Katie Steen and Tina Peralta with one each.

With their record at 4 wins, no losses and 1 tie, the Shooting Stars sit tied for second place with 13 points. Clearly, this move up to Division 3 will provide a real challenge to the team and serve as a testament to the validity of their win/loss record from last season. Having played well over the last few weeks against the soft side of the schedule, the Shooting Stars will be challenged to continue playing at his level as they play against the perennial teams of this division. Calling to mind the saying, "Winning takes care of everything", the Shooting Stars will need to continue winning for a realistic chance at first place. At this point, you have to like their chances.