Season Wrap Up

In a School Where Football Takes Center Stage, Valley Lax Provides a Season to Remember

Kyle Stackpole

PV Sports Beat

When deciding to cover lacrosse for the PV Sports Beat, I wasn’t too sure what to expect. I had known nothing about the sport and didn't know how successful the team would be. As time went on, I realized Pascack Valley lacrosse gave me both interesting headlines to write about along with a season I will never forget.

Sure expectations were high, but no one thought the Indians would put together the season like this. The combination of senior leadership, explosive offense, and solid defense made the Indians a tough team to beat.

In a season filled with excitement and surprises, it only seemed fitting to make a list of the best 10 moments from the 2012 Boys Lacrosse season. It was extremely difficult to cut the list to 10, forcing me to leave out defining moments during Pascack Valley’s memorable season.

10) Holding on Against Dwight Englewood in Chilly Conditions

Despite the fact that the weather was cold and the Indians were sloppy, they found a way to slip past a good Dwight Englewood team by the score of 5-4. They could have easily given in and taken the loss, but held tough and showed that this team would never go down without a fight.

           

9) Easily Defeating St. Joes While Earning the County’s Respect

Although opening the season with a few wins, many in Bergen County thought it was a fluke. Their minds were changed after Pascack Valley defeated St. Joes 11-5. To furthermore prove their talent, goalie Kevin Switzer took the ball coast to coast to end the Green Knight’s hopes of mounting any sort of comeback. This was a statement game that showed that Valley wasn’t just here for a visit; they were here to stay.

8) Earning 6 Seed in the County Tournament

If someone said that Pascack Valley would earn the 6 seed in the county tournament, they would have been called crazy. Having never proved so before, no one could have thought the Indians would be as successful as they were this season. So when Valley earned the 6 seed and a rematch against River Dell in the first round, it turned the heads of many, finally giving credit to a Pascack Valley team that was well deserving.

7) Beating River Dell to move onto County Quarters

When coming into a county tournament type atmosphere, it is either win or go home. The Indians embraced the pressure that day, defeating River Dell 9-4 to move onto the Quarterfinals against Glen Rock. A county win was just another huge accomplishment on this year’s impressive résumé and the hopefully the first of many for years to come.

6) Giving Northern Highlands All They Could handle

By facing their first Gibbs Division opponent of the season, Pascack Valley knew what they would be up against. Although suffering a 10-7 loss at the hands of Northern Highlands, they received needed confidence for the rest of the season. This confidence carried over later in the reason in a game against Ramapo. (Will get to later).

5) The Emergence of the Core Four

They weren’t always called the Core Four. In fact, I am pretty sure no one calls them that but me. Nonetheless, these four players emerged during the middle of the season to take this team to new heights. The high level of play and focus demonstrated by Juniors Kevin Illian, Nick Sunseri, Mike Buldo Licciardi, and Nick Soravilla gave the Indians players to look up to and depend upon in late game situations. This development was truly one of the most important for Pascack Valley this season.

4) Defeating Pascack Hills in front of Hometown Crowd

With by far the biggest crowd of the year, the battle of the Regional wasn’t much of a contest. The Indians played flawlessly, defeating the Cowboys and giving the hometown crowd something to cheer about. In addition, it showed many of the students that Pascack Valley lacrosse was one of the best sports teams this school has to offer.

3) A Senior Night to Remember

Senior Night is always an emotional one and this wasn’t any different. Every single senior received the recognition they deserved, walking with their parents across the field to the applause of their fellow players, coaches, and fans. As for the game, Valley seniors went out on a good note, defeating Indian Hills 9-4. After a season of hard work and dedication, these seniors were finally awarded with a huge crowd to cheer them on as they played their last game in a green and white uniform.

2) Defeating Paramus to Earn First League Title

With a league title on the line, Pascack Valley turned in their best effort of the season, shutting out Paramus 13-0 to win the Curcio division for the first time in their young history. Too many times do teams come out flat in this situation, but Pascack Valley embraced the moment and made the most of it. With a banner hanging in the rafters of the gymnasium of the Indians, this will be a moment the school will never forget.

1) Pascack Valley 5, Ramapo 4

Who could forget the nail biter that was Pascack Valley against Ramapo. Coming into the game, the Indians had never beaten a Gibbs Division opponent and were determined to hand Ramapo a loss they had never expected. Everyone was on their A game, making it difficult for the Raiders to get anything going. After holding a 5-2 lead going into the fourth, Ramapo scored two goals to cut the lead to 5-4. In the longest 5 minutes of the season, Pascack Valley was able to hold off Ramapo 5-4 and give their school a result they could never forget. There was always a rivalry between these two teams in football, but this game marked the Valley-Ramapo showdown on the lacrosse field.

Before they leave Pascack Valley, I wanted to acknowledge the two captains who made this season worthwhile. I asked 3 questions and here is how they responded:

Questions:

1) Favorite Part of Lacrosse?

2) What you will miss most about the sport?

3) Are you playing lacrosse in college? (If so, where?)

Mike Vicchio #3

1) I have so much fun with my team. It's a great group of guys and I love lacrosse. We all have fun together.

2) I will miss how much fun it is to play with my team. I'm going to miss playing and hanging out with my teammates most. I never had this much fun playing lacrosse before this season.

3) No. I will probably play club lax at the University of Delaware.

Jeff Diorio #28

1)Everything

2)Everything

3) Yeah, hopefully on a club team.

Before focusing on taking final exams and looking forward to summer, I want to thank the players, families and coaches of the Pascack Valley Boys Lacrosse team. You guys have welcomed me into the lacrosse family with open arms and I wouldn’t cover any other spring sport.

Looking back, the season was somewhat like a roller coaster. It had its ups and downs, but never seemed to repeat itself. As a writer who has attended most of these games, I can honestly say that I have enjoyed every minute of it.

That's all for now. I truly thank the seniors for a magnificent year and hope to see them after high school to reminisce about an unforgettable season. I know one thing for sure. If need be, there is one place where I’m guaranteed to find these guys…

VEGAS.

Ramapo Defeats Pascack Valley, Moves on to Quarterfinals

Kyle Stackpole

PV Sports Beat

Ever since a 5-4 loss earlier in the season, Ramapo has been dying to get another shot at Pascack Valley.

They got their wish, drawing the Indians in the second round of the North 1 Group 2 state lacrosse tournament

Determined and focused, the Raiders made the most of their opportunity, defeating Pascack Valley 14-5 to advance to the quarterfinals.

Pascack Valley wasn’t able to get anything going on offense. The physicality of the Raiders proved too much to handle, as Valley was rarely able to get good looks at the net.

After scoring two minutes into the game, Ramapo scored 5 unanswered goals, giving the Raiders a 5-1 lead after the first.

The second quarter went back and forth with neither team have a significant edge. Each team scored 3 goals, making it 8-4 at intermission.

The turning point came in third period. Pascack Valley was motivated and controlled possession for most of the quarter. Surprisingly, they were shut out in the third, mostly because of missing easy shots and the fantastic goal keeping of Dylan Vaccarella. Instead of letting Valley back in the game, Vaccarella made save after save to preserve the lead.

After not being able to put in at least one goal when given so many opportunities, the Indians seemed deflated in the final period. Ramapo put in 5 goals during the fourth, making the score appear as though it was a blowout. By the time it was all over, Ramapo had secured the 14-5 victory and received the revenge they had hoped so dearly for.

Senior Zach Hirsch recorded a hat trick for Ramapo, who will now play Mercer County Champions and 3 seed Hopewell Valley in the quarterfinals.

Mike Buldo Licciardi led Pascack Valley with 3 goals, but other scorers like Kevin Illian and Nick Sunseri couldn’t seem to find the back of the net.

Although hoping for a better result in the state tournament, Pascack Valley has to be happy with the season they have had. This is the first team to win a league title and beat their first Gibbs division opponent in Ramapo.

When looking back on the history of Pascack Valley lacrosse, they will look at this team as the one who put Valley lacrosse on the map.

And knowing this team, they wouldn't want it any other way.

Valley Looks to Make a Run in State Tournament

Kyle Stackpole

PV Sports Beat

May has arrived and teams are looking to peak at the right time. Pascack Valley has been climbing the mountain to success all season and is determined to finally reach the top.

After their loss to Glen Rock in the Bergen County Quarterfinals, the Indians knew they still had a chance for a title.

The pairings for the North 1 Group 2 state lacrosse tournament were recently announced, with Pascack Valley earning the 6 seed and a first round matchup with Ramapo.

Those outside Bergen County claimed the top three seeds. Somerville, Chatham, and Hopewell Valley grabbed the 1,2, and 3 seeds respectively.

Usually in any tournament that involves the entire state, rematches are hard to come by. Lucky for the Indians, they will be up against a team who they already defeated 5-4 earlier in the season.

Although that win was their first against a Gibbs division opponent in the program’s history, the Indians mustn’t become complacent, as Ramapo will be looking for revenge.

If Pascack Valley is able to get past the Raiders, they will end up facing the winner of the 3 seed Hopewell Valley and 14 seed Allentown in the quarterfinals.

Since none of teams seeded ahead of them are teams in their division, Ramapo will be the only familiar opponent the Indians will see throughout the state playoffs.

With the talent and a tremendous goalie in Kevin Swtizer, Pascack Valley (13-4) sure has the firepower to make a run for the state crown.

They might even have a chance to play second seeded Chatham in the semifinals, who has a Pascack Valley teacher as their assistant coach.

Although that matchup may sound tempting, Valley must not look past Ramapo because in the state tournament, it is either win or go home.

The grueling practices and hard-fought games have prepared Pascack Valley for this moment. “The regular season has prepared us well,” said Senior Joe Farinelli. “It has kept us in shape and pushed us to get better.”

The preparation has ended and now it is up to the players to decide whether they want to pack it in or contend in June for a state title.

“The key to this game is defensive intensity,” said Fred Buldo-Licciardi, who has coached these players for many years through the junior lacrosse program.

Not only must the defense be intense, but everyone will need to be focused. One lapse in judgment could be the difference between the Indians spending Memorial Day weekend down the beach or on the practice field.

State Tournament Update

Pascack Valley earned the 6 seed in the North 1 Group 2 state lacrosse tournament and will play Ramapo in the first round.

Pascack Valley Shines on Senior Day

Kyle Stackpole

PV Sports Beat

After all the practices and games over the last four years, the seniors had one final chance to shine on their home field.

They went out with class, defeating Indian Hills 9-4 on Senior Day at Pascack Valley High School.

The seniors were honored before the game, receiving one final applause before they attend college in the fall. Each was announced individually, walking across the middle of the field with their parents. It was a fantastic moment all around, showing that hard work and determination really does payoff.

As for the game itself, it wasn’t always easy for the Indians. Although Kevin Illian scored in the first minute and the offense had plenty of shots on goal, they only held a 2-0 lead after the first quarter.

Indian Hills made it even closer, pulling within one goal halfway through the second. Junior Mike Buldo Licciardi scored with a minute left to give Valley the momentum and a 4-2 lead at the break. 

The key moment for Pascack Valley was in the third quarter. Juniors Nick Sunseri, Mike Buldo, and Kevin Illian all scored goals to make it 7-2 heading into the fourth. After playing poor in parts of the first half, the Indians showed their true colors after intermission.

The fourth quarter wasn’t one of much importance as Valley coasted to a 9-4 victory. The game ended with a roaring applause from the crowd, showing their appreciation for the seniors one last time.

The offense was extremely balanced for Pascack Valley as Illian led the charge with 3 goals while Sunseri, Buldo, and Farinelli added 2 goals each. Junior Nick Soravilla played a big role as well, dishing out 3 assists for the now 13-3 Indians.

After going undefeated at home and winning the first league title in school history, each of the 15 seniors have to feel proud in what they have accomplished.

 “Oh man it felt great knowing we finished it off with a win,” said captain Mike Vicchio, “and 11/14 at the X is great as well.”

Although it may seem like it, the season is still not over. Valley plays Wayne Hills on Tuesday before taking their chances in the state tournament.

No matter how many games this team plays, these players will always be remembered in the school community as the team that made Pascack Valley lacrosse relevant.

“I feel like I left what I needed to on that field,” added Vicchio, “but I wish it didn’t have to end.”

Everything does come to an end eventually, but there is one thing the Indians can do to extend the inevitable.

That is to keeping winning.

And these seniors know how to do that pretty well.

Valley Falls to Glen Rock in Bergen County Quarters

Kyle Stackpole

PV Sports Beat

Both Glen Rock and Pascack Valley both pride themselves on defense, making it a foregone conclusion that it would be a low scoring game.

Those who believed that would only have been half right.

At River Dell on Tuesday night, Pascack Valley fell at the hands of Glen Rock 11-3, ending their shot at a county crown.

The key for the Panthers was their defense, as Pascack Valley rarely had a good shot on goal. When they were able to get a clean look, goalie Jake Quiat was there, making 7 saves in the game.

After Pascack Valley scored 2 minutes into the game, Glen Rock scored 6 unanswered goals to take a 6-1 lead into halftime.

When Joe Farinelli scored with 3 minutes left in the third, the Indians cut the lead to 8-3, giving them a glimmer of hope.

Glen Rock proved too much however, scoring 5 more goals to finish the game with an 11-3 win. 

Senior Tim Miller put on a show once again for Glen Rock, scoring 4 goals and adding 3 assists. He now has 69 points on the season, which is good for the county lead. Mike Mount added 3 more goals for the Panthers, who improve to 13-0.

Although they lost, there was one player who stood out for Pascack Valley. Junior Kevin Illian scored 2 goals and had 1 assist. He wasn’t intimidated at all by the undefeated Panthers and continued to play his game.

The season isn’t over for Pascack Valley as they still have the state tournament to go along with a few more regular season games. This was a learning experience for the Indians, realizing the level of play needed to compete with the best of the best.

When asked what his team could take and use towards preparing for the state game, Nick Soravilla responded, “It means that we have to work twice as hard during practice to get ready for it.”

They don't have to mourn the loss for long as Indian Hills comes to town tomorrow to play Pascack Valley in one of their last regular season games.

“We have to take all these games seriously from this point on,” added Soravilla. “If we treat every game like it's a county game, it will only better prepare us for the state tournament.”

Pascack Valley Outlasts River Dell, Moves on to Quarterfinals

Kyle Stackpole

PV Sports Beat

The first game is always the toughest, especially in a one and done type of format.

Pascack Valley, seeded 6th,  passed the test with flying colors, defeating 11th seeded River Dell 9-4 in the first round of the Bergen County tournament.

Although having defeated the Golden Hawks earlier in the season 14-4, the Indians knew this was an elimination game and anything could happen.

Pascack Valley controlled the tempo, having multiple shots on goal in the first period. Although scoring only two goals in the first, they put the pressure on River Dell goalie Bob Sagerman early and often.

The key moment came during the second quarter when Pascack Valley scored 4 goals, taking a 6-1 lead into the half. The defense was fantastic once again, limiting shots on goal and matching the physicality of the Golden Hawks.

Juniors Kevin Illian and Mike Buldo Liccardi added goals to make it 8-2 after the third, ultimately putting the game out of reach. Liccardi led the team with 4 goals, while Illian added 3 goals for the Indians who improve their record to 12-2.

When asked about what his team needed to do to make a deep run in the tournament, Coach Craig Buckley replied, “In order for us to be successful in the county tournament, we need to continue to play strong on the defensive side of the ball as well as play an unselfish, "team" offense.  We have done both of these things very well up until this point and it needs to continue.”

If the offense can continue to produce goals and the defense keeps up the intensity, there is no reason why Pascack Valley can't shock the county and make a deep run.

Having advanced to the next round, Pascack Valley will play the winner of Glen Rock and St. Joe’s on Tuesday.

Whoever Pascack Valley ends up playing, they better realize that this team is on a mission and will not go down without a fight.