It was exactly one year ago. The Jericho Jayhawks had just organized their first U-10 girls travel soccer team. The girls who tried out and made the team had never played soccer together before this date. They came together for this tournament to determine such basics as who would be keeper and who would play offense and defense. At the end of the tournament not only had the Jayhawks failed to win a game, they never once put the ball into the net!

What a difference a year makes.

This year the only similarities were the excellent organization of the Brentwood tournament, the high level of competition, and the beautiful (albeit hot, hot) weather. The Jayhawks' roster was nearly intact though the team missed the presence of Lauren Katz. The Jayhawks began this tournament with very little expectations, but fate had a surprise in store for them.

The tournament began on Saturday, June 21 with two games, followed by three grueling games in the heat on Sunday. It was evident that it would take more than a team with good skills and disciplined play to win, but a team with extraordinary determination.

The first game on Saturday afternoon was against Albertson. The game started out with crisp passing from the offensive players on both teams, which would be countered by timely defensive plays by both teams. This style of play was maintained until nearly the end of the first half, when Brianna Wolfson broke loose with the ball using one of her patented sliding kicks to break a 0-0 tie.

The second half began with the same intensity as Rachel Karnofsky and Ally were outstanding on Albertson's offense. It was only with the excellent defensive and coordinated teamwork between Dorie Sanders and Rachel Klinghoffer that the Jayhawks were able to stay in the lead. Alyssa Hochfelder, keeper for the Jayhawks, not only gave a clinic on goaltending, but lived up to her reputation as one of the finest young prospects in the league.

To counter the superb passing of Lauren Klinghoffer, Sarah Bernstein and Brianna Wolfson, along with the constant control kept in the middle of the field by Jackie Goodman and Larisa Lasko, Albertson's Cathy Miller seemed to have an uncanny sixth sense, always being in the right place to break up the Jericho attack. It was only due to the continued pressure and the great display of teamwork that Wolfson was able to place the ball in the back of the net one more time to secure the victory. After such stiff competition a win against Albertson gave the Jayhawks a great boost of confidence.

The second game on Saturday was played against St. Margaret's of Selden. This game proved to be another defensive struggle, with St. Margaret's scoring the sole goal of the first half on a penalty kick. The second half of the game was similar to the first half with the only goal scored on a penalty kick by Lasko. The results of this game, however, did illustrate the depth of the Jayhawk's roster. Tracy Goldberg, Melanie Motschwiller and Jamie Bernstein supplied much needed relief and enthusiasm throughout the game. The trio all raised their personal levels of play to help keep the offensive pressure on for the entire 50 minutes. Once again, Hochfelder was brilliant in goal and illustrated what a natural she is as keeper.

In the third game, Hochfelder earned her second shutout in just three games against the West Hempstead Chiefs. The defense was sparked, once again, by Sanders and Rachel Klinghoffer. They became known as the "invisible wall." Sarah Bernstein showed her adaptive abilities by playing halfback and sweeper as well as front line. The offense of the game was sparked by Lasko, who scored the first goal after receiving a brilliant pass from Goodman just outside the penalty box. The second goal was scored by Lauren Klinghoffer after receiving a combination of passes from Jamie Bernstein and Sarah Bernstein.

Scoring was prominent throughout the fourth game against the Bayman Soccer Club, thanks to a team effort by the Jayhawks. The final score was 9-0. Every one of the offensive players on the team had either a goal or assist to handily defeat the opponents for the third victory, all by shutout! Special mention goes to Lauren Klinghoffer and Motschwiller, who both gave a tireless effort throughout the match.

The fifth game, for the championship, was between the Jayhawks and the New Hyde Park Wildcats. The Jayhawks rallied with full field passing between Goodman and Lasko in the middle of the field, up to Jamie Bernstein, who assisted Lauren Klinghoffer to break the ice. The second goal was scored by the Wildcats to even the score. The next goal was scored on quick and timely passing between Goodman and Lauren Klinghoffer, who found Wolfson open to score. The Jayhawks would never look back as Sarah Bernstein scored, with an assist from Motschwiller, which clinched the victory.

With this win not only did the Jericho Jayhawks win the Brentwood Father's Day tournament, but achieved their dream of going from cellar to penthouse in one year for this Cinderella story of success.