The Great Neck PAL Boys Fifth/Sixth Grade lacrosse team opened its 2008 season with a well played 6-2 loss at Franklin Square. The team, which plays in the Nassau County Lacrosse League, will play their home opener at South High on Sunday, April 13. All home games are at 1 p.m.

"This is a young team," said PAL Director Artie Diamond, "but a very talented group. Their interest and enthusiasm have been terrific. They have really gotten the message that we don't emphasize wins and losses here. We have two goals every year in this program--teach the fundamentals the right way and have fun. This group really gets it."

After Levittown, the remaining home games are May 4 against Glen Cove, May 11 against Hicksville and May 18 against Suffolk power Three Village. The season concludes June 8 at the Long Island Lacrosse Jamboree at SUNY Farmingdale where the team will face off against Bayville.

Diamond, who is assisted by Gary Latin and Sam Straussman, identified the members of the 2008 squad by position: on attack- Ryan King, Aaron Ratner, Jarett Greben, Aaron Khorshad, Robbie Tantillo, Jay Zussman; Eden Sivan; midfield- Alon Ashourzadeh, Andrew Voigt, Daniel Doreste, Richie Glasser, Luke Sempa, Bryce Labonski; defense- Logan Straussman, Evan Yudkovich, Ben Portnoy, Edward Goldschmidt and captain Max Latin in goal.