Michelle Rotondo moves through two Strikers. The U14 Fireballs took to the field last Sunday against the Strikers from East Islip with the visitors down players. So the girls did what they had to and played a dominating game to come away with a devastating 8-0 win. What a way to finish up a positive season - second place with a 5-2-2 record in league play while only allowing 7 goals all season - the best goals against in the division. The finish culminates a season that also included a championship in Windsor and third place at Ref-Fuel to kick off the season. Not a bad Fall season.

On Sunday, the scoring for the Fireballs came from all angles and distances. Starting with Victoria Aldrich powering her way past the keeper about 10 minutes into the match and ending with Christina Cesarini's blast from the top of the box with her second goal of the game about 10 minutes from the closing whistle. For the 50 minutes in between it was Monique Roberge scoring a hat trick (one on a beautiful header), Daniela Sampram netting two and Cez firing in her first goal. Pinning the Strikers in their own half of the field and setting up the offense, the Fireball defense formed a wall across the midfield with Michelle Rotondo, Paige Vincent and Kim Verderber backed up by keeper Erin Mullins. Erin by the way was fresh off a trip to Syracuse to watch sister Caitlin win the State Championship in field hockey for Garden City - congratulations!

Courtney Chmil carries out of the back. The Fireballs maintained control of the match with terrific play through the midfield. Constantly winning 50-50 balls, GC was led by Courtney Chmil and Meaghan Walsh on the wings and Christine Malhame, Amanda Murolo and Shannon McWilliams from the stopper position. Playing the ball wide with constant overlapping, or working perfect give and go's and wall passes, the Fireballs were able to penetrate the Strikers 18 yard box continuously. And that was noticeable by the number of different girls who assisted on the goals - Liz McDougal, Courtney had a couple, Victoria, Cez, Christine and even Michelle got one from a terrific throw-in that sprung a breakaway down the sideline.

A fantastic match all the way around. At any level and any age group, scoring eight goals in a game is not an easy task and to come out with a shut out on the other side of the ledger - a complete victory. Another great game and an amazing season by a wonderful group of girls. Coaches Malhame, McDougal and Rotondo are proud of the effort and skill that you have shown throughout the season. A special thanks to linesman Tom and photographer Sue - great job all year. Parents and fans of the Fireballs - thanks for the support and positive reinforcement that you give to the girls on a weekly basis. And to all - have a Happy Thanksgiving, Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! And stay safe and warm throughout the winter months, we'll see you on the pitch sometime in March! (Except for some indoor winter training).

Monique Roberge gets control out of the air.

Christine Malhame breaks ahead of the defender. Paige Vincent doing what she does so well - defending. Christina Cesarini moves through traffic.