Girls soccer beat: Ayinde sisters lead Mepham

GIRLS SOCCER

The Ayinde sister act

Considering that Safi Ayinde (25 points) and Jill Picinich (23 points) form the two-headed monster that's powered Mepham to a 13-1 start, you might find it surprising that neither is the team's 2010 MVP.

"The most valuable, the most important person on my team is Sali Ayinde, Safi's sister," coach Jim McManus said. "She is the heart and soul of our team."

Playing sweeper, Sali doesn't get to rack up the stats of her teammate and identical twin. But she directs the action. And there's been a whole lot of action for Mepham this year, as the Pirates have scored 72 goals.

After five years as starters, Sali and Safi will attend Iona College on soccer scholarships next year.

If Sali gets a few more scoring opportunities in college, McManus is confident she'll know what to do.

"Without a doubt in my mind," he said. "If I had her up front this year, she'd be getting all these points."

Flashes 'A' powerhouse

The perfect blend of veterans and newcomers have combined to make Sayville a Class A powerhouse.

"It's a good mix" Sayville coach Joe Nasta said. "The chemistry is good. It's just a matter of putting it together day in an day out."

What the Golden Flashes have put together is an unbeaten season en route to a League VI title. The senior class is led by the tandem of Kelly Santangelo, a natural defender who can be moved up when in need of a spark, and Dari Sellitti, who has returned to All-State form. They are complemented by junior Kim Marra, a workhorse whom Nasta calls the team's "Superwoman."

Sayville starts four sophomores, led by Samantha Bishop, who has excelled at defender, and keeper Olivia Coley-Bishop.

"It's out there for us," Nasta said of a county crown. "It's in our hands. I don't think there's any team in our class that we can't compete with."