[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 44 (Monday, April 10, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E521-E522]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE STATE CHAMPION MINNECHAUG REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS' 
                            BASKETBALL TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 10, 2000

  Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize and 
congratulate the 1999-2000 Minnechaug Regional High School girls' 
basketball team. On March 18, 2000, the Falcons captured their third 
Massachusetts Division I state championship in the past four years at 
the Worcester Centrum, defeating Brockton High School by a score of 68-
61 in a memorable final contest.
  The final contest was not an easy one for the Falcons. Minnechaug 
trailed by as many as 14 points in the first half, and took its first 
lead in the contest with only 1:32 remaining. The comeback was led by 
senior Melissa Kowalski, who scored 22 of her 28 points during the 
final 10 minutes of the game.

[[Page E522]]

Kowalski's efforts, along with the play of seniors Maureen Leahy and 
Christal Murphy accounted for all of Minnechaug's 42 second half 
points.
  A final win in the state championship, as if not impressive enough, 
capped off a perfect season of 25 wins and no losses for the Falcons. 
The final game was a battle of the undefeated as Brockton also headed 
into the final contest with a record of 24 wins and no losses. 
Minnechaug arrived at the final games as the Western Massachusetts 
champions for the fourth straight year.
  Under the leadership and direction of Coach Dave Yelle, Minnechaug 
has dominated their competition from around the state. Over the past 
four seasons, the Falcons have compiled an outstanding total of 91 
wins, including 18 wins in the postseason. Defense had been their 
greatest strength, holding opponents to an average of 32 points for the 
two playoff contests before the final.
  Mr. Speaker, allow me to recognize the Minnechaug Regional High 
School girls' basketball team. The seniors are Melissa Kowalski, 
Christal Murphy, Abigail Lipinski and Maureen Leahy. Underclasswomen 
include Christina Conway, Cheri Murphy, Laura Mulcahy, Erica Bacon, 
Katie Clark, Sara McCarthy, Marybeth Maziarz and Julie Sullivan. The 
team is coached by Dave Yelle, and he is assisted by Pete Kowalski, 
Jason Fenlason and Elizabeth Ouellette. The Falcons are managed by Amy 
Gregorius, Tom Loper and Meghan Mitchell and the team trainer is Jason 
Patterson.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud and honored to extend my congratulations to 
the 1999-2000 Minnechaug Regional High School girls' basketball team. 
Their consistent record of dominance and excellence is certainly worthy 
of the attention of this Chamber. I wish Coach Yelle and the state 
champion Falcons the best of luck in defending their title next season.

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