It was "Play Ball!" as the SYAC Girls Softball season opened with a bang on April 28. More than 700 girls from Syosset, Woodbury and Jericho filled ballfields all over town to display their skills at hitting, running, fielding and throwing. The following game reports were filed in the first two weeks of the SYAC 2003 season.

Mim's Restaurant Defeats the Jazzy Girls

Mim's Restaurant won their first game of the season, beating the Jazzy Girls 25 to 11 at Robbins Lane School's Near Field. The game was close until the Mim's girls scored 11 runs in the fifth inning.

The hitting stars for Mim's were: Taylor Brown, who hit a triple and a home run, Elizabeth Jacobsohn, who hit a home run, Katherine Banos, who hit a home run and Carley Siegel who had a triple and went 4-4 on the night.

The Mim's girls also had some defensive gems. In the second inning Taylor Brown pulled off an unassisted double play at first base by catching a line drive and stepping on the base. In the next inning Elizabeth Jacobsohn caught a line drive at shortstop and threw to first to double off the runner.

Marc Pharmaceuticals Routs Central Orthopedics

The bats came out early and often for Marc Pharmaceuticals, as they claimed a 31-9 victory over Central Orthopedics in their SYAC Girls Softball Pony League opener.

Marc Pharmaceuticals pounded out 43 hits and scored 31 runs in the victory. A total team effort was put forth by all. Leading the attack was Victoria Gee, whose five hits included a grand slam in the first inning to begin the scoring. Victoria also had two triples on her way to stroking a total of 9 RBIs. Also driving in runs were Carly Saunders, with five RBIs and Julia Matlin with seven RBIs. A balanced attack was lead by Erika Moran, Jamie Cohen, Connor Bird, Jessica Raphaelson, Angela Balkunis, Cassandra Lamberti, Meghan Chin and Courtney Kobren.

Some sparkling defense was contributed by Central Orthopedics. A huge shot to left field that looked like it would have gone forever was caught by Jamie Green. Central was lead by Dillon Halloran, Jamie Green and Brianna Peskin.

Leading the hitting for Central Orthopedics were Jamie Green with three hits including a home run and Brianna Peskin, who also had three hits.

American Girl Over Camhi's Cuspids, 9-8

American Girl edged Camhi's Cuspids by a score of 9-8 on the first game of their season. It was a tight opener for both of these Pony League teams.

In the last at-bat for American Girl, Emily Ciavella singled home the winning run on what turned out to be a close play at the plate. Alivia Lang, Megan Sanchez and Melissa Yao had three hits apiece for American Girl.

Punctuation Tops BNB Rentals 12-7

Reported by Gina Beiner

BNB Rentals was first to score a run in the first inning, but Punctuation's first baseman, Samantha Merenstein did a great job making the first out and also tagging out the next batter.

Punctuation's first time up at bat resulted in bases loaded with Jamie Warfield on third base, Samantha Carras on second base and Nikita Maddineni on 1st base. Nicole Beiner got a base hit with 2 RBIs. Scoring on the play were Jamie and Samantha. The next batter, Rebekah Sugarman, hit a double driving in Nikita. By the end of the 1st Inning, Team Punctuation was leading by a score of 8 to 1.

BNB Rentals came together in the third inning with bases loaded and their #9 player hit a double, driving in two runs. By the beginning of the 4th Inning, the score was 10 to 6 with Punctuation still leading. However, a great effort to catch up was made by BNB Rentals. BNB Rentals' player #14 scored another run for them in the fourth inning, and Punctuation also scored another two runs by the end of the game. Punctuation's Nicole London did a fantastic job catching with all the equipment she had to wear.

Mim's Takes Second Straight, Beating Tigers 24-14

Reported by Arnold Raichek

Mim's Restaurant won their second game and second straight by beating Taxland Tigers, 24 to 14. The Mim's girls had their offensive game in full gear. Elizabeth Jacobsohn went four-for-four with two home runs. Diana Saber was also four for four. Katherine Banos, Tory Segall, Rachel

Solomon, Hillary Landsman, Taylor Brown and Allison Lizzio each had three hits. Defensively, both Rebecca Raichek and Rebecca Klar made nice catches in the outfield that prevented runs from being scored. The game was called after four innings due to darkness.

American Girl Tops Central Orthopedics

Robbins Lane Near field was the setting as American Girl topped Central Orthopedic 22-10 on May 1. A grand slam by Samantha Green and a home run by Dillon Hallorhan provided a large part of Central's offense. The win was the first after two losses for Central, which is getting stronger and starting to gel as a team, the coaches report.

Chicklets Chew Up BNB Rentals 11-6

This game went a fast four innings. On the Chicklets, pitcher's helper Emma Martin made a few nice plays to Shelby Allen, who played great at first base. Catcher Cayle Gehnrich made a nice play at home plate to end the third inning. The team really played well in its first game.

Marc Pharmaceuticals Edges Punctuation 13-11

In the second game of the Pony League season, Marc Pharmaceuticals and Punctuation were involved in a very close battle on the Robbins Lane Far Field.

Carly Saunders started the ball rolling for Marc Pharmaceuticals by belting a three-run homer in the first inning. After two innings the score was tied 8-8. Punctuation scored three in the third, lead by Victoria Ruvolo, Nicole London, Jamie Warfield and Samantha Carras. Defense then became the name of the game for both teams. For Marc Pharmaceuticals, excellent fielding by Jamie Cohen, Connor Bird and Victoria Gee held Punctuation scoreless for three innings.

Punctuation's defense was equal to the task. Ashley Friedman's fielding was a thing of beauty. Ashley made five great plays to lead the defense for Punctuation. Timely hitting in the bottom of the fifth inning was the difference for Marc Pharmaceuticals, as they took a 13-11 lead. Key hits by Cassandra Lamberti, Jessica Raphaelson, Connor Bird, Victoria Gee and Angela Balkunis made the win possible. The game ended when a wicked shot to left by Ashley Friedman was snared by Angela Balkunis, who alertly threw to Victoria Gee at first base to complete a game ending double play.

Mim's Restaurant Serves Butterflies, 5-1

Reported by Andy and Jackelyn Lyman

Mim's Restaurant won their third game of the season and third in a row, beating The Butterflies by a score of 5 to 1 on May 2 at Robbins Lane School's Near Field.

Rebecca Raichek led off the bottom of the first inning with a resounding single. It looked like she might be stranded but with two out Katherine Banos kept the inning going with a single, and

Elizabeth Jacobsohn followed with a home run. Dina Saber singled and Carley Siegel ended the scoring with a home run. The game was called after one inning due to rain.

Camhi's Edge Punctuation 17-15

Camhi's Cuspids won a nail biting game against Punctuation by a final score of 17 - 15 on May 7. It took a total team effort to win. "Tails" Taylor Russo, "Slamming" Sammy Mait, "Homerun" Hannah Camhi, "Tricky" Niki Tuck, "Captain" Kate Hoffman and Karishma "The Crasher" Nagrani all went 3 for 3. Also having outstanding hits were "Jammin" Jennifer Colton, Kaitlyn "The Crusher" Young, "Lucky" Lauren Greenberg, Sammy "The Slugger" Verdello and "Swinging" Sarah Camhi.

Due to great efforts in fielding, the game was a close one. In the bottom of the fourth, the Cuspids were down by two, with "Tricky" Niki Tuck up to bat. On a count of 1-0, she swung with all her might and hit a line drive down the center, giving the Cuspids their first home run and tying up the game. "Slamming" Sammy Mait then singled, followed by "Captain" Kate Hoffman. Up next was "Swinging" Sarah Camhi, who like her name swung with all she could, hitting a triple that drove in the winning runs.

Super Sonics Blow Out Magic Gals 20-2 at HBT Stadium

The Magic Gals were hosted by the Super Sonics on April 28 at Thompson Field at 6pm. The Super Sonics began their season with outstanding defense and a keen eye for the ball during their home opener with a 20-2 win over the visiting Magic Gals.

Caroline Lydon started on the mound for the Super Sonics and went two strong innings before being replaced by Victoria Seymour and Danielle Siansky. All the pitchers did a great job. These girls also played extremely well on offense going 3 for 3 each respectively.

Erin Rosenblum, who also went 3-3, played outstanding on both defense and offense. She was constantly aware of the activity on the field, rooted for her teammates and always had a smile on her face. It gave the coaches of the Super Sonics great pleasure in awarding the game MVP award to this young lady. Congratulations Super Sonics!

High Rise Jets Top Access Tigers 14-5

Reported by Roger Mummert

The High Rise Jets left a wispy jet stream behind as they zoomed over the Access Tigers by a score of 14-5 on April 28. It was the opening game of the season for both teams.

Jets pitchers Kristen Carton and Jenn Halpern combined for nine strikeouts as they held the Tigers to just five hits over five innings. Tigers pitcher Lily Mummert struck out 10, as she went the distance in a losing effort.

Providing plenty of punch in the offense department were Melanie Woerner and Jenn Halpern, who each had three hits for the Jets. Also driving the ball hard was Jessica Caplan, who drove in several runs, as well as Melissa Kaufman and Kayla Stephenson. Kristen Carton also drove in a run and scored twice. In total, the Jets stroked 15 hits.

Fighting back for the Tigers were Zoe Saunders, who rounded the bases with aggressive base running, and Lily Mummert, who had two hits. Stroking triples for the Tigers were Lauren Gershowitz and Courtney Keats. Emily Wagner provided tight defense at first, and rookie catcher Lindsay Pearlman hauled in a pop-up at the plate.

Access Tigers Beat Maxwell's Furniture, 7-1

Reported by Roger Mummert

Pitcher Lily Mummert flirted with a no-hitter, and Zoe Saunders launched a grand slam-a one-two punch that powered the Access Tigers over Maxwell's Furniture by a score of 7-1 on April 30 at Berry Hill field.

Lily Mummert pitched six strong innings, allowing just two hits and one walk while striking out 14. Maxwell pitcher Ariel Bick also went the distance, striking out 10 Tigers, while allowing eight hits.

The Tigers mounted an attack in the first inning, with two singles and a walk. That set the stage for Zoe Saunders, who stroked a hard shot into center field that cleared the bases. The Tigers struck again, with three runs in the third, but the rest of the game was marked by tight defense and solid pitching from both sides.

In the top of the sixth, Maxwell's Alyssa Wolfle worked the count full. After fouling off several pitchers, she drilled a shot to right field that rolled to the edge of the woods, allowing her to round the bases to a cheering crowd.

The Tigers then put the lid on the game with a bang-bang play from second baseman Jessie Weinstein to Heather Kwiatkowski, who played a flawless first base and also collected two hits in the game. Also contributing to the Tigers attack: Lindsay Pearlman, Courtney Keats and Lauren Gershowitz.

Access Tigers Trounce Grand Slammers 12-2

Reported by Roger Mummert

Lily Mummert and Zoe Saunders combined talents for a two-hit pitching exhibition, as the Access Tigers topped the Grand Slammers by a score of 12-2 on May 7. The Tigers' pitching aces racked up 13 strikeouts over five innings.

The Tigers got plenty of power at the plate, with a first-inning seven-run rally. The scoring was sparked by hits by Mummert, Saunders and Annalisa Caramico, who drove in two runs with her first hit of the season. Also with two RBIs apiece were Lauren Gershowitz and Lindsay Pearlman. More hitting for the Tigers was provided by Courtney Keats and Jessie Weinstein.

After being held scoreless for three innings, the Grand Slammers broke through with a couple of hits in the fourth as Jackie Finkler drove home Dana Singer. Christie Olivieri later scored for the Grand Slammers. A pitching combination of Lexi Tuck, Rachel Price and Jackie Finkler tallied nine strikeouts for the Grand Slammers.

Mudd Girls Top NYDress.com 5-3

In their 2003 season opener, the Mudd Girls played an amazingly close game against NYDress.com and won 5-3. The team was led by the flawless pitching of Shelby Rosen, who also led the team with her great hitting.

Playing shortstop, Natalie Taback made the defensive play of the game when she caught a fly ball over her head on the run. At third base, Robyn Banks stopped a hard hit ground ball to make the force play to end the fifth inning when NYDress.com rallied to score all three of their runs.

Both teams' excellent fielding and pitching made this match up a very exciting season opener.

NYDress.com Beats Stillwell's Girls 22-2

Patient hitting and timely fielding led to a "team victory" as NYDress.com bettered Stillwell's Girls by a score of 22-2. All players contributed to the victory. Special mention goes to Dana Starrantino, who picked up her second win of the season in as many starts. Clutch hitting by Katelyn Lesse, Dana Fried, Elissa Blank, Perri Lumish and Dana Starrantino powered NYDress.com to victory.

Magic Gals Defeat Allstars in 6-5 Thriller

The Magic-Gals defeated the Allstars 6-5 in a thrilling come-from-behind contest, to grasp their first victory of the year. In a game crisply played by both teams, Andrea Zalin pitched for the Magic-Gals against Jennifer Matte for the Allstars.

Key hits for the Magic-Gals were supplied by Jennifer DiSiena, Malory Sanchez, Hannah Lafferty, and Andrea Zalin, who stroked the decisive bases loaded triple. Making key defensive plays and playing overall fine games were Carley Mednick, Hali Garber and Alyssa Davidson.

For the Allstars, Holly Gary had a home run, and Stephanie Perry, Julie D'allesandro and Taylor Tully contributed big hits to the offense.

Mudd Girls Over Legal Eagles 9-7

On May 7, the Mudd Girls gained their second victory of the season against the Legal Eagles by a score of 9 to 7. Great hitting with home runs by Shelby Rosen, and Natalie Taback, two doubles by Heidi Smolevitz, three singles by Jordan Fontini, and two singles by Rachel Ajzenman were the key to the Mudd Girls offense. Great pitching by the Legal Eagles kept the game close.

Premier Staffing Group Defeats Diamond Divas 4-2

Reported by Ed Riegel

In a pitchers duel, Premier Staffing opened its season with a hard-fought 4-2 victory over the Diamond Divas. Melissa Klafter got the win, and went 3 for 3 with a single, double and triple. Lexi Melville missed the first inning, but that didn't stop her from driving in all four runs with a homer and a double. She also spearheaded an almost flawless infield with key plays by Stephanie Darsa, Caitlan Judge and Rachel Riegel. Amy Dreiseger was a surprise starter at first base, and made four key putouts. Catherine Woodard walked twice and scored two runs.

The Diamond Divas were led by the pitching and hitting of Kimberly and Kristina DiGangi. Nailah Khalfan, Emily Grgas and Deanna Horton also had key hits.