Kyle Stackpole
PV Sports Beat
The snow has finally subsided, the weather is finally heating up, and spring is just beginning. This also means the start of spring sports at Pascack Valley High school.
When people think of spring, many think of baseball and tennis, with a smaller number of people thinking of track. There is one sport however that is rarely talked about during the April months and it might just be the most exciting and entertaining of them all.
This sport is called lacrosse, also known as “Lax”.
The Pascack Valley boys lacrosse team, coming off of a season where they went 11-7, are looking to improve in their second year as a separate program from Pascack Hills. The two schools split before last season because of a change in the rules by the New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association.
After losing star Justin Sunseri, who scored 31 goals and had 19 assists during his senior campaign, the Indians are still filled with experienced players from last year’s squad. Better yet, they bring back 68% of their scoring and 58% of their assists from a year ago.
“In 2012, we need for our returning offensive leaders to pickup where they left off from least season,” said Head Coach Craig Buckley. “Many of these leaders were sophomore’s in 2011 so we have high offensive expectations for 2012.”
Below is a player preview to specifically pinpoint how each player will serve part to this team’s success.
Players the Indians Will Rely On
Although a team sport, there are a few players of this team that have separated themselves among the rest. The Indians will rely on these players for leadership, motivation, and big time play as the season goes on.
Kevin Illian: Although only a junior, this is Illian’s third year on varsity. He is looking to build on a very successful sophomore campaign in which he scored 30 goals, which was good for second on the team. The Indians will be looking for leadership from their midfielder this spring, organizing the offense and creating for his teammates.
Mike Vicchio: As a senior and the captain of this years team, everything that is going to happen this year is going to go through him. After scoring 15 goals and dishing 16 assists for Pascack Valley last season, he is a do it all player who will be a big part of this teams success.
Joe Farenilli: Farenilli is by far the team’s hardest shooter and is a force on the offensive end. He scored 18 goals last spring, mostly by using his strength to overpower opposing goalies with his shot. When Farenilli is shooting the ball, don't blink, because the ball could already be in the net.
Mike Buldo-Liccardi: Buldo is a kid whose stick skills and handles have allowed him to become one of the best scorers on this Pascack Valley team. After scoring 30 goals a year ago, he is looking to improve his game and elevate his team to the next level.
Jeff Diorio: As the other captain of this team, Pascack Valley will lean on Diorio to provide a wall on defense. He will also organize the rest of the defense to make sure there are no open shots on goal. Look for Diorio to be the vocal leader of the defense.
Nick Choman: After starting on the defensive end for the Indians last year, Choman will be important to this team in 2012. He provides a football-like mentality, but can also think the game and make the right decisions in pressure situations.
Kevin Switzer: This is one of the best goalies in Bergen County and one that makes Valley a very hard team to play against. Just a season ago, Switzer recorded 219 saves and was the epitome of consistency for the Indians. As long as Switzer is in goal, the Indians will never be out of a game because he’s the kind of player that can will his team to a victory.
Nick Sunseri: Just like his brother, Sunseri is just usually the most aggressive player on the field, always giving it 100% percent. Although Nick will have a tough time living up to what his brother accomplished in 2011, Sunseri will be a big piece of the puzzle for an Indian teams looking to make a run in the state playoffs this season.
Erik Tracy: Last, but certainly not least, Tracy makes a huge impact on the defense end. His intimidation reaches the level to where some opposite attackers drop the ball before he flattens them to the ground. He sets the tone on defense, showing that the Indians aren’t a team to mess around with.
Upperclassmen ready to step up
This category includes players that didn’t have a huge impact on the varsity level last year, but are ready to step up and make Valley en even better team then before. These players are the X-factors for the Indians this year, as Pascack Valley will go as far as these players take them.
Nick Soravilla: Soravilla scored 5 goals and had 5 assists during his sophomore season at the varsity level. He will be a big part of the team this year, as his speed and quickness will set the Indians up nicely on offense. Look for him to be a key factor is their success.
Ryan Foley: Foley didn't record a goal or an assist last year, partly because he played defense the whole time. He is a versatile defender who will pose problems for other team’s attackers. He also isn't afraid of mixing it up, even if it means sacrificing his body in the process.
Newcomers ready to make an impact
These individuals weren’t apart of the varsity team last season, but have been working constantly in the offseason to get themselves better. They will be the role players on this years varsity squad and could make a difference in a number of different ways.
Mark Zicarrelli: This is only his second year of player high school lacrosse and he has picked up the game very nicely. After playing junior varsity as a sophomore, Zicarrelli is looking to make an impact on the varsity level this season.
Brendan Morrissey: After coming over from Bergen Catholic before the start of his sophomore year, Morrissey is looking to prove himself for the Indians. He has been known to be a hard hitter on the football field and hopes to the wood for the Indians on the lacrosse field.
To be successful, the Indians will have to be efficient on both sides of the field, especially on the defensive end.
“Our defense kept us in every single game last season and will do the same this year,” added Buckley. “If our offensive unit continues to improve and our defense continues to make it tough for our opponents, we will enjoy a great 2012.”
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