Brenda O’Donnell dribbles out of a crowd In their last match of the spring season, the Garden City Centennial Blizzards defeated the Port Washington Flames 1-0. The Blizzards concluded what has been their most successful season in three years. Their 5-1-3 record earned them second place in their division, 5W. Considering the team started in August with six new players on their roster, their standing in the division is quite an accomplishment.

Right from the start the Blizzards mounted a fierce attack. Brenda O’Donnell, Amanda Murolo and Lauren Singer took instant control of the midfield. Their accurate passes to the forwards had the Blizzards putting tremendous pressure on the Flames backs and keeper. Nicole DeRose gave the Blizzards a wonderful scoring opportunity with a super cross from the left side into Kendall Fries. Kendall made a smart run to the far post and one timed the ball just inches wide of the goal. Victoria Aldrich and Erin Dean connected on frequent short passes, furthering their teams offensive. Several minutes into the match, the Port Washington team regained their composure and started mounting some attacks of their own. Gabrielle Nesi was in at goal for the Blizzards. Gabrielle, as she has done all season, displayed great athleticism in the goal area. She was quick to pick up any ball in the box and punted past the midfield line on all occasions. After 30 minutes, it was anyone’s match.

Maria Ortiz closes in on her opponent In the sweltering heat, the Blizzard’s players had to dig deep to come up with the energy to win the match. Emma Kane, Maria Ortiz and Brigid O’Malley continued to win 50/50 balls on a regular basis. With Delsey Attardi and Katherine McCarthy in up front, more pressure was applied as these two forwards made attacking runs trying to break through the Flames back line. With 8 minutes remaining, Erin got a quick shot off but the Flame’s keeper robbed her of the go ahead goal. Refusing to settle with a tie, the Blizzards pushed forward. Brenda took a throw-in deep in the Flames defensive zone. Moving to open space, Erin got possession and played the ball to Victoria. With her back to the goal, Victoria quickly turned and put the ball into the upper left corner of the goal for the game winner. Throughout the match, the Blizzard’s back line had speed advantage over the Flame’s forwards. Whenever the Flames penetrated, our defenders, Kristina Kelly, Christine Codignotto, Allison Gerspach and Gabrielle stood up to the challenge and successfully sent the ball back up the field to put the Blizzards on the attack. Kristina was our second half keeper. Kristina took charge of the back third, making sure no attacker was left unmarked. To the credit of the entire team, this was their sixth shut out in nine matches. Well done Blizzards!

Emma Kane races to win the 50/50 ball

Brigid O’Malley carries the ball up the field Delsey Attardi shields Erin Dean takes possession of the ball Lauren Singer prepares to send the ball up the field