After a disappointing year last year, the members of the Syosset Girls Varsity lacrosse team have vowed to make up for last year's season. In the newly formed Conference 1-B, the girls no longer face rivals Port Washington, New Hyde Park or Farmingdale. However, it is not only the new seeding, but also an improvement in the team's skills that have led to their early success.

Under the leadership of Coaches Christiansen, Borensen and McGloughlin, and Senior Co-Captains Rachel Friedman and Rachael Neumann ¬ both back for their fourth varsity season ¬ the Braves look like a new team with a strong transition that can run most opposition to the ground.

The first three games of the season, against Plainview, Long Beach and Herricks, saw a dominant Braves team win 15 - 1, 15 - 0 and 10 - 1, convincingly. Leading the Braves in Plainview was senior Kristen Haunss, who had four goals and one assist; junior Gena Schuster, who had three goals; and Samantha Alexander, who had two goals and one assist. Juniors Kristy Magueri and Kara Langhammer each contributed two goals. Senior Lynn Alampi also added one goal and two assists, and Junior Kim Jacobs added one goal. In the cage, Neumann saved nine of 10 shots, as only Plainview's Ali Gold was able to score.

Against Long Beach, the Braves were once again able to dominate. This game was the first ever shutout in Lady Braves lacrosse history. Neumann secured the shutout with two saves, but it was an offensive game. Haunss had four goals and three assists, while Schuster added two goals and two assists. Magueri added three goals and junior Alison Kurtzman added two. Also contributing one goal apiece were Alexander, Langhammer and Friedman. Adding a goal and assist was Jacobs. Alampi also had one assist.

Against Herricks, Neumann made 10 saves with the only goal coming accidentally from a Syosset player. Leading the Braves was Schuster, who had three goals and two assists, and Alexander, who had four goals. Also adding to the Braves' offense was Haunss with two goals and two assists, Jacobs with two goals, Friedman with one goal, and Alampi and Kurtzman, each adding an assist. Adding the final goal of the game was sophomore Sarah Milo in her first Varsity appearance.

The next two games showed that the Braves' pre-season conditioning was truly effective. In a rain-filled afternoon, the Braves defeated East Meadow by a score of 8 - 3. Leading the offense was Haunss with two goals and one assist, and Alexander with two goals. Each adding one goal was Schuster, Jacobs, Kurtzman and Friedman. Langhammer and Alampi each added one assist and Neumann made six saves for the Braves. This, however, was a great defensive game as well. As Coach Christiansen commented, "the defense was a big part of why we won the game, up and down the field." One disappointment of the game was the injury of senior Lynn Alampi who left the game with about five minutes left in the first half with a high ankle sprain.

In their game last week against Massapequa, the Braves met their toughest competition yet. In an evenly-matched game, the Braves were just able to hold on to their 8 - 5 lead to win the game. Leading the Braves were Magueri and Alexander, each with two goals and Haunss, Schuster, Friedman and Langhammer each adding one. Neumann had six saves to preserve the win.

With a victory in last Monday's game, the Braves brought their record to 6 - 0 and took sole possession of first place. Leading the Braves was Haunss with two goals and one assist, and Friedman with two goals. Adding one goal were senior Molly Ellwood, Alexander, Schusler, Longhammer, Magueri, Kurtzman, Jacobs, senior Lauren Glaser and sophomore Rachel Merson. Alampi and Ellwood each had a few assists and Schuster had one assist. Neumann made three saves for the Braves.

The Braves' strong style of play has helped them to become the team to beat in this conference. With only one more win needed to become the most winning Girls Varsity lacrosse team in Syosset history, you can bet there is only one thing on these girls minds.. the playoffs. As the Braves continue throughout the season, they live by three words: "Refuse to Lose!" With this attitude and a strong work ethic, the Braves will be a contender in this year's playoffs.