Gabrielle Nesi prepares to take a corner kick. On Thursday, April 7, the Garden City Centennial Blizzards competed in round one of the Waldbaums Challenge Tournament against the Plainview - Old Bethpage Power. The players were very anxious to get the season started after weeks of postponements. Considering it was the first match of the season, the team played extremely well. Super hustle and sharp passing by the Blizzards kept the ball in the Power defensive area for most of the match, but they couldn’t get a shot past the Power keeper and lost the match 1-0.

The Blizzards and the Plainview - Old Bethpage team have played four times in the past 12 months, each match well contested and spirited. This match was like the others, with some great scoring opportunities and both teams playing very physical in the midfield. The only score of the match came 17 minutes into the second half, when a Power forward broke through and shot an unstoppable ball into the net. The Blizzards then seemed even more determined to get a goal, but had no luck in tying the score. Hopefully better luck on Saturday for their match in South Merrick.

Allison Gerspacch shields the ball from her opponent.

Emma Kane and Brigid O’Malley race to win the ball.Colleen Mullin battles for possession.Brenda O’Donnell carries the ball with Erin Dean in support.Victoria Aldrich challenges for the ball.