Head coach Mike Bocuzza is off to a fast start in his first season of restoring the tradition of Lady Mustangs softball to Mineola High School. Bocuzza leads a team of seasoned upperclassmen and talented youngsters who have produced a season opening six game winning streak in Conference IV. A renewed attitude has produced the confidence and ability to win the league title and head to the playoffs.

The leadership of senior co-captains Nicole Reardon (All-Conference shortstop) and Alyssa Palma (outfield) have jumpstarted a potent offense for a strong roster of improving players. Junior catcher Samantha Morris plays a critical role orchestrating the defense while guiding freshman hurler Lauren Sasso in her debut season at a key position.

Experience dominates the infield behind sophomore Michelle Morrison and junior Monique Torres. In the early going, Torres has belted a pair of grand slams and has a total of three home runs with Reardon only one round tripper off the pace. Sasso racked up all six wins including two shutouts and a pair of one-run pitching gems. Morris and Morrison have generated run producing power behind a squad that has averaged an astounding 16 runs per game.

Bocuzza sees last year's trials fostering this year's success. Focusing on fundamentals during voluntary off-season workouts was an indication that dedication produces post-season anticipation. The team receives much of their inspiration from 2004 graduate Melissa Skupp, who is in her inaugural year in the coaching box. Skupp was an All-County catcher for the Lady Mustangs, whi spent three years on the diamond at Molloy College. Bocuzza was an assistant on the 2005 conference champions, the last team to earn playoff recognition. Guidance and perseverance stems from both the players and the coaches in bringing Mineola softball back to Nassau County prominence.

The Lady Mustangs have a balanced schedule with no more than a two-game road trip at any point in the season. To their advantage, the season concludes with five of their final eight home games at their home field at Cross Street School. Remaining games against Cold Spring Harbor will be the key to determining the conference title. If the early performance is emblematic of the team's future, Mineola softball is back on the map.