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.