GIRLS MEET BOYS

What happens when girls meet boys on the field? We'll find out beginning tonight at 9 p.m. at Strathclair Field. That's when the Pino's under-19 girls Civic soccer squad plays its first of eight games this summer against boys house league teams. "I think we'll be able to compete," said Joe Ceglie, head coach of the Pino's girls team. "The boys may be faster and stronger but we are in just as good shape as they are. "It's good competition for us. That's the bottom line. We've got out-of-town tournaments and Ontario Cup play set up for this summer and playing against local competition, including the boys, will be good for us." The Pino's girls will also play several games against local female teams and take part in a number of out-of-town tournaments. There's also an Ontario Cup quarter-final game in Scarborough in early August. Boasting an 18-player roster, Ceglie said his team's main goal this season -- besides trying to play on even terms with the boys -- is to advance along the Ontario Cup trail. Ceglie said he likes the makeup of his team and its abilities. "We've got speed and we defend very well," he noted. Impact players on the Pino's Civic squad include the likes of sweeper Shannon House, defender Ali Bodnar, midfielders Melissa Ceglie and Jen Muio, and forward Brianne Vena. "It's a long summer ahead," concluded Ceglie, "and I like our potential." Even against the boys.