Lady Spartans Fall Short in Title Run

The fall athletic season is coming one step closer to an end as sectional title tournaments are quickly approaching.

Volleyball

Head Lady Spartan coach Elena Bellinger earned her 300th career win as Paramus volleyball began their state North 1 Group 3 run in a 25-21, 25-14 victory over Iselin-Kennedy. The fourth seeded Lady Spartans then downed Colonia in a tight match 25-20, 25-19 but eventually fell to top seeded Old Tappan, 21-25, 25-18, 22-25. Paramus, which finished the season with a 22-7 record and claimed the Big North Freedom Division league title, fell to the Golden Knights twice during the regular season as well. With three seniors on the squad, the Spartans have a majority returning next year as the team will continue to seek an elusive N1G3 sectional title.

Eighth-seeded Paramus Catholic was still alive in the Non Public tournament after finally facing St. John Vianney following several delays. The Lady Paladins (11-14) came from behind to win 19-25, 25-21, 25-11 and followed up with a 25-23, 25-21 victory over Kent Place for a quarterfinal showdown with IHA. But the defending Blue Eagles were more than PC could handle and came out on top 25-10, 25-7. 

Football

Paramus Catholic’s 55-7 win over Northern Highlands secured their top billing in the Non Public Group 4 tournament. Jabrill Peppers and Dejon Harrison each had two touchdowns with Tyrone and Keyon Washington and Anthony Ponteriro scoring one apiece. Brandon Spearman returned a kickoff 90 yards to secure the victory. Danny Conte connected on 7 out of 8 extra points. The Paladins held the Highlanders scoreless until early in the fourth quarter when Kyle Wilczynski sneaked in for a 2 yard run TD.

Paramus secured the Big North Colonial Division title when the defeated Wayne Hills 24-17 to end the regular season. Quarterback Tyler Smith led the way throwing three touchdown passes to Josh Rollins and Darius House. The Spartans also benefitted by a two-point bonus as the Patriots were flagged for an intentional grounding in the end zone.

Soccer

After finally starting their North Non Public A run, the fifth seeded Lady Paladins downed St. Dominic 6-1 in the quarterfinals and set up a semifinal match with top-seeded Pope John on Friday. Annalyse Vassalo led the way with two tallies follwed by Kelly Banas, Kimmie Mignone, Juliana Mascelli, and Chelsi Nurse scoring a goal apiece.

The Paladins shutout first round opponent Union Catholic 3-0 in NonPublic A action but would fall in the quarterfinals 1-0 to top-seeded Delbarton. Facing the Vikings, Jose Angeles, Jose Meza and Jordan Saling each had one tally. Dorian Harris finished with 4 saves against the Vikins and 10 against the Green Wave.

Cross Country

At the North 1 Group 3 state sectional championships, the overall Paramus boys team finished in fifth place to advance to Saturday's Group 3 title race and Mike Secreti (2nd in 16:26) will compete for an individual title. Erik Helstrom (15th, 17:11) and Lindsey Lucas (14th, 20:02) missed out on qualifying.

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