One year after finishing their season undefeated in the Conference IV regular season, the Lady Braves Girls Varsity Soccer team has been no less successful in the more prestigious and competitive Conference III, where it stands in first with a 4-0 record.

"We knew moving up to Conference III would be a challenge," said Lady Braves Head Coach Diane Alleva. "But the team's hard work has paid off."

Under the leadership of Alleva, Assistant Coach Diane McLaughlin and Senior Captains Lauren Glaser, Lauren Smith, Tracey Aschenbrenner and Lisa Hurwitz, the Braves have been surging.

Their most recent victory came against the Clarke Rams on Monday, October 5, a win which rewarded the Braves with solo possession of first. It was a tight match, as the Braves were not able to capitalize on many one-on-one opportunities, but returning All-Conference player Kristi Maugeri, junior, broke through when she scored the first Brave goal of the match.

Just moments later, it appeared as if returning All-County player Lauren Progrob, senior, netted another goal from just outside the 18-yard box, but the referee ruled a handball in a controversial call that sent Syosset into halftime having to settle with its 1-0 lead.

Despite the call, the Braves continued to control the game. In the second half, Maugeri scored her second goal, and in her first varsity appearance, eighth grader McAleavey scored the final goal to seal the victory.

"I was very impressed with the way the team stepped up to defeat Clarke," said Glaser.

It was not only the Braves' fourth consecutive win, but also their fourth shutout. Goalkeeper Andrea Fasano, a returning All-Class recipient, has been perfect thus far. Sweeper Abby Levine, junior, who has taken control of the backfield and has stopped most of the opposing team's attack, has helped Fasano during this streak.

Returning All-Conference player Tracey Aschenbrenner, senior, and Diana Pettigrew, junior, played the outside fullback position, along with stopper Karen Zelanka, junior, and Sarah Stutman, senior. The Braves' defense has been impressively solid and has been the key to starting up several of the team's offensive runs.

Hurwitz explained the Braves' success. "Not one player is stronger than another. We play as a team. That is why we are so successful."

Aschenbrenner said of the Braves' season, "Not only do we have a strong team athletically, but [we also have] a strong bond within the team which has led to our success."

The Lady Braves hope to continue this success as they battle Port Washington and Plainview in upcoming matches. "We know what our goals are and how we must achieve them as a team," commented Alleva. One of those goals is to once again make it to post-season play, where the Braves look to advance past last year's first round exit in the playoffs.