Paladins Get Bowled Over, Lady Spartans Continue Volleyball Dominance

With almost all Paramus teams out of the County tournaments, a majority of squads are now turning their attention to the upcoming state tournaments. Volleyball, which recently clinched the Freedom Division title, is the lone squad competing for a county title.

Soccer

Paramus split time with Nicole DiPasquale and Amanda Matesic in the box but with 9 and 4 saves respectively, the keepers could only slow the Northern Highlands onslaught so much before falling 5-0. Sarah Cortes had a a hat trick and an assist in the Lady Spartans 9-1 victory over Hackensack. Also contributing were Noel Hodgins (2), Francesca Depalo, Kristin Mason, Ariella Audi, and Erin Davis. Cortes netted two and Kristin Mason added another as the Lady Spartans downed Ridgewood 3-2 and held off a feisty Maroons squad.

Unseeded Paramus played a tough game against Waldwick before the Warriors ousted the Spartans 4-2 from the County tournament. Max Brodarzon scored one goal on a penalty kick while Joe Icovacci had the other. Brodarzon, Giovanni Piccione and Adrian Landono turned their loss to Waldwick into fuel for their following match against Hackensack with a 3-0 win.

Paramus Catholic's Jose Meza had a goal late in the second half to avoid a shutout by Bergen Catholic. The Paladins fell 2-1 with Dorian Harris making 12 saves.

Volleyball

Paramus has had an outstanding week starting with their County win over Dumont, 25-18, 25-9, and then clinched the Freedom Division league title after defeating Tenafly, 25-8, 25-8. The team then defeated Bergenfield 25-11, 25-8. Phenom freshman Maria Bellinger has 24 kills this week, Stephanie Garino had 36 kills and 44 assists and Record Athlete of the Week Jessica Chakonis finished with 43 digs. The Lady Spartans take on Mahwah, Saturday 3pm at Old Tappan in teh Round of 16. 

After dropping their first set 19-25 to the Dumont Huskies, Paramus Catholic regrouped and came back to take down the Huskies 25-14, 25-12. The Lady Paladins were unable to outlast Northern Highlands falling 23-25, 25-29 in the home stretch. Georgette Smith ended the week with 26 kills and 10 digs, Caitlin Hall had 30 assists and Jessica Breen four digs.

Football

Paramus got a much needed win to keep its playoff dreams alive by defeating Wayne Valley 32-13. Matt Tozzi scored twice, both on 2-yard runs; Tyler Smith had a 19-yard run and a pair of catches for the win.

Paramus Catholic has begun to close the gap between the Paladins and Don Bosco Prep, but the team still has plenty of work to do after getting wrapped up in the Ironman's defense and barely avoiding a shutout. In their first loss of the season, 31-8, the Paladins were plagued by turnovers and poor possessions. Paramus Catholic was able to avoid a complete and total blowout when Steve Shanley connected a 30-yard pass to Dejon Harrison and a two-point coversion to Jabrill Peppers.

Cross Country

Both Paramus Catholic and Paramus will send runners to the County Cross-Country Championships on Saturday, Darlington County Park. The Paladins and Spartans will run at 4:05pm (girls) and 4:50pm (boys).

In Division A, PC and Paramus boys will face runners from Bergen Catholic, Bergen Tech, Don Bosco, Fair Lawn, Hackensack, Northern Highlands, Old Tappan, Pascack Valley, Ridgewood and Teaneck. Mike Secreti (PHS) is expected to be a front runner this season.

In Division B, Lindsay Lucas (PHS) is one of the top favorites against teams from Bergen Tech, Fair Lawn, Hackensack, IHA, Northern Highlands, Old Tappan, Pascack Valley and Ridgewood.

Tennis

Paramus doubles Ashe Magalhaes/Gianna Scirrieca and Kristina Nicholas/Arri Lee were clutch during Paramus’ lost 3-2 to Indian Hills. After all singles athletes Sali Lee, Cindy Wi and Sunny Yoon faltered in their matches, all eyes were on the doubles teams to avoid the shutout.

Paramys Catholic swept Bergenfield 5-0 for the week.

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