PV girls rise to the occasion at Penn Relays
By Katie Roberts
PV Sports Beat
There seems to always be an obstacle before the Pascack Valley track team takes the track. And this behind the scenes story even trumps the infamous broken alarm clock before the boys ran at Nationals during the winter season.
With the meet just a few days away the girls were informed that one of their legs, Sammy Canillo, was sick and possibly not able to run at Penn Relays. With this in mind, Kayla Begen, the junior second leg, asked Nicole Miller, sophomore first leg, to run her first 400 of the season at Penn Relays.
Miller not only ran, but ran the fastest leg of the four girls at 61 seconds in a 4:09.08 time. The girls came in fifth out of the 12 teams in their heat and 204th overall out of 610 teams. Miller ran the first leg in 61 seconds, Begen ran the second leg in 62 seconds, Madison Weis (sophomore) ran the third leg in 63 seconds, and finally Alice Urbiel (sophomore) ran the last leg in 62 seconds.
Penn Relays is the oldest and largest track and field competition in the United States. It started on April 21, 1895 by the University of Pennsylvania at Franklin Field in Philadelphia. This meet attracts more than 15,000 participants from high schools, colleges, and track clubs all around North America and abroad. Throughout history one world record has been set at the Penn Relays, which was in 2000. The event was the 4x200 relay which was set by an American Women’s team.
Although the girls would describe this experience as stressful, at the end of the day the girls would all agree that it was satisfying. This 4:09.08 is the Pascack Valley girls relay 4x400 personal record. The day started very early, at nine o’clock, but the girls were only in Philadelphia from noon to 4 p.m. Overall the day was successful and the season is far from over.
The girls will run in the Big North League Meet against some of the county’s best 4x400 teams such as Ramsey, River Dell, and Tenafly. They will also be competing in counties and sectionals as well as BMOCS (Bergen County Meet of Champions) if all goes well. The upcoming races will be challenging but there is nothing these four girls can’t do when they get in the zone.
This experience was very special and a positive experience for the girls.
“To me, there is nothing better than being somewhere with thousands of other people for the same love of the game,” Begen concluded.
PV lax prevails in front of large home crowd
By Kyle Stackpole
PV Sports Beat
There are many ways to lure students to particular sporting events, but giving out t-shirts may be the best one yet. The Indians had a gigantic crowd supporting them Monday afternoon and were determined not to disappoint.
After being teammates just of couple years before, players from Pascack Hills and Pascack Valley faced off in a battle to improve their record and more importantly, for bragging rights.
The Indians made it obvious they were ready to play, easily defeating the Cowboys 14-3, earning their 10th win of the season, and giving the student section something to cheer about.
“It was awesome,” said PV senior captain Mike Vicchio, “I love playing in front of my family, friends, and classmates. The support from the crowd helps us play better and to dominate Hills in front of a good portion of the school was sick.”
Valley wasted no time fooling around as they scored two goals only five minutes into the game. By the time the Cowboys had time to blink, they were in a two-goal hole. The Indians added another, giving them a three-goal cushion heading into the second quarter.
The Cowboys did show some life in the second, scoring two minutes into the period, making it a 3-1 contest. They was as close as Hills would get as Pascack Valley added three goals by the end of the quarter, giving it a comfortable lead heading into halftime.
After Illian scored less than 30 seconds into the second half, the game was all but over.
Valley used the remaining time to give minutes to guys who usually don’t get a chance to play, letting them get accustomed to the varsity spotlight.
When it was all said and done, Valley came out victorious with a 14-3 win.
The highlight of the game (well at least for me) was seeing junior defender Ryan Foley sprinting down the middle of the field and scoring his first goal of the season. Although the game was out of reach that might have been the loudest the fans had cheered during the game.
As stated before, Pascack Valley now improves to 10-2 and will face Paramus on Wednesday.
“I had a great time because we were all feeling it out there,” added Vicchio, “and the fans loved it, especially vs. Hills.”
Hopefully this same fan base will support when Pascack Valley faces River Dell in their first county game Saturday at Pascack Valley High School at 2 pm.
When asked if Vicchio had any last words, he simply replied, “I love it. Vegas. In a game of experience, Pascack Valley leans on strong junior class
By Kyle Stackpole
PV Sports Beat
Even since third grade when lacrosse was only a small dose of what it is today, four kids started playing together, not knowing that they would be united today.
Many knew they had the potential to be a dynamic combination of players but didn’t expect it as too much hype could only lead to disappointment.
The hype was well deserved however because these four players have moved on to Pascack Valley and are now making a major impact on the varsity level. They account for more than 75% of their team’s points, making them as lethal of a combo as there is in the county. Talented Seniors Mike Vicchio, Joe Farenilli, and Erik Tracy contribute the other 25%.
When asked about when they knew they could make an impact on the Varsity Level, Soravilla replied, “As soon as we stepped on the field for the first time for our first game last year.”
Alan from the hangover would call them, “The Four best friends that anyone could have”, but I just like to call them The Core Four. The reason for the name is simple. Although only in their third year of high school, these individuals provide scoring and leadership to a team who has continued to improve since they have entered the program.
It is still early in the season, but it has become apparent that these four players will be the key to the team’s success going forward. The defense will always be solid, but as the saying goes, “If you can score, you can’t win.”
The chemistry they have built over the years cannot go unnoticed. It seems they know where each other will be at all times, making it almost impossible for the opposing defense to stop.
When asked about the chemistry between the four, Illian said, “We have learned each of each others tendencies and play off that.”
To continue, none of these four individuals are the biggest of the bunch. They realized long ago that strength and bulk wasn’t the answer. The answer was to play hard and play together.
As much as they like to help each other out on the field, it is sometimes a competition about who can score more goals. Illian has the team lead (as well as the county) for now, but one can be sure that the other three will attempt to dethrone him.
Each of the players have unique talents that make Pascack Valley what it is today.
NICK SORAVILLA
Fitting in with the older kids was never a problem for Nick, who is one of the youngest in the grade. He has fit in quite nicely, being part of three sports teams at Pascack Valley. He plays wide receiver and cornerback on the football field, point guard on the basketball court, and midfielder on the lacrosse field. His quickness and agility often go unmatched and help him greatly in all the sports that he plays. He hopes to continue to play all three sports senior year as well, meaning he will play a huge part in the success of the Pascack Valley athletic program.
Favorite Athlete: Lebron James
Best thing about Lax: It is a unique sport that needs teamwork
Best Flow: Jeff Diorio
One word to describe this year’s LAX team: VEGAS!!!!!!
KEVIN ILLIAN
Many may know this name from the gridiron, but he is just as successful on the lacrosse field. He currently leads the county with 48 points, is first in goals with 27, and is second in assists with 21. He is the glue that keeps this team together and will go to any measure to ensure they play their hardest for 48 minutes. As well as fantastic individual play, he creates for his teammates, making them better with every practice and game. Playing varsity as a freshman has taught Illian how to win on this level and thus far, he is doing a pretty good job of it.
Favorite Athlete: Victor Cruz
Best thing about Lax: It is fast paced and very exciting.
Best Flow: Jeff Diorio
One word to describe this year’s LAX team: Vegas
NICK SUNSERI
Although not the biggest of players, Sunseri may be the most physical man the Indians have. He simply outhustles opposing defenders, creating for himself and his teammates on the offensive end of the field. Along with lacrosse, Nick is an outstanding soccer player, following the footsteps of his brother Justin who graduated last year. Sunseri never takes a play off and epitomizes how the Indians use hustle and courage to grind out games.
Favorite Athlete: Alexander Ovechkin
Best thing about Lax: Fast Paced and lots of action
Best Flow: Jeff Diorio
One word to describe this year’s LAX team: Vegas
MICHAEL BULDO LICCARDI
Along with snowboarding and surfing, Mike Buldo has a passion for the game of lacrosse. His determination and will to succeed has fueled his success on the varsity level. Balancing school and sports was never a problem as Buldo is currently enrolled in multiple Honors Classes. On field consistency is something that Mike prides himself on and will continue to for the rest of the season.
Favorite Athlete: Michael Jordan
Best thing about Lax: You have to use your head.
Best Flow: Jeff Diorio
One word to describe this year’s LAX team: Vegas
These four have led Pascack Valley to a 9-2 record and show no signs of stopping. They will only continue to improve, making the Indians a serious contender going into the County Tournament.
Experience should be what leads teams to championship banners, but these four juniors from Pascack Valley are showing that chemistry, toughness, and skill are what puts a team in contention to bring home the county crown.
PV freezes out Dwight Englewood
By Kyle Stackpole
PV Sports Beat
On a day that felt more like winter than spring, Pascack Valley was looking to freeze Dwight Englewood and improve to 9-2.
It sure wasn’t pretty, but in the end, the Indians were able to hold off Dwight Englewood by the score of 4-3.
Whether it was the cold or the sun in the eyes of the players, both teams seemed to out of sync throughout the game. It wasn’t until the end when Dwight Englewood started to get something going, but it was ultimately too late.
The first goal wasn’t scored until about 10 minutes in when standout Kevin Illian rifled one past the Dwight Englewood goalie. Junior Nick Sunseri added another goal before the end of the quarter, giving the Indians a 2-0 lead after the first.
The second quarter was one the Indians would like to forget. They couldn’t seem to get anything going on the offensive end and if it wasn’t for Senior Goalie Kevin Switzer, they could easily have been trailing at intermission.
Instead, Switzer had six saves in the quarter without allowing a goal, giving the Indians a two-goal cushion at the half.
Neither team came out ready to play in the third, but Dwight Englewood was able to muster up one goal, making it a one score game going into the final period.
Pascack Valley knew this was a game they couldn’t lose and showed it in the fourth quarter. Freshman Zach Beja scored with 10 minutes left and Illian added another one with just 2 minutes to play, giving the Indians a 4-1 lead and putting the game out of reach.
Dwight Englewood made it interesting by scoring 2 goals in the final minutes, but Valley was able to hold on in the end to win 4-3.
It might have been the worst game played by the Indians all season, but all that matters is that a win is a win, no matter how it happens.
“We were relieved that we pulled this one out,” said Junior Ryan Foley, “And we are determined to go out and play better the next game.”
One great sign for the Indians was the play of Kevin Illian. After suffering a hamstring injury against Old Tappan on Wednesday, he came back with a vengeance on Friday, scoring two goals and dishing out two assists. He’ll need to be 100 percent if Pascack Valley wants to make a deep run in the county tournament.
Pascack Valley plays Monday against Pascack Hills.
PV downs River Dell in home opener
By Kyle Stackpole
PV Sports Beat
The first home game is always an exciting one and the Indians made the most of theirs with a 14-4 thrashing of River Dell Tuesday afternoon at Pascack Valley High school.
The game was never in doubt, as Valley had goals from Nick Sunseri and Nick Soravilla in the opening minutes. By the time the first quarter ended, the Indians had secured a comfortable 5-0 cushion.
Instead of taking their foot off the gas pedal and playing passively, Pascack Valley continued to push the tempo, scoring two more goals in the second to go up 7-1 at intermission.
During the first couple of minutes of the second half, the Indians put the game out of reach. After goals from Kevin Illian and Joey Farenilli, the game was all but over.
With all the scoring that went on, one player stood out among the rest. Junior attack man Kevin Illian scored six goals and dished out a handful of assists. His solid play throughout propelled Valley to a 3-0 start.
On the other side of the ball, many of the Indian defenders were left standing around during the game. Senior standout goalie Kevin Switzer allowed only four goals on just a handful of shots, mostly because River Dell was barely on the attack. Time of possession and precision passing left the defense with little to do.
When asked about how they were able to stifle River Dell’s explosive offense, junior defenseman Ryan Foley replied, “We were able to stop their fast breaks and in turn, eliminate any easy scoring opportunities.”
Coming into this game, the Hawks had scored six goals on the year, with five of them coming in transition. The Indians made sure everyone was back on defense, limiting the number of transition opportunities and therefore, limiting what they are able to accomplish on the offensive end.
The win today improves Pascack Valley’s record to 3-0, but in the eyes of the Indians, they haven’t accomplished anything yet.
“This was going to be a grueling week for us and it sure helps to get off to a nice start,” Foley added, “but the season has just started and there are plenty of challenges yet to come.”
PV boys lacrosse team looks to build off stellar 2011 season
By 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 when it went 11-7, is looking to improve in its 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 pick up where they left off from last season,” said coach Craig Buckley. “Many of these leaders were sophomores 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 year’s team, everything that is going to happen this year is going to go through him. After scoring 15 goals and dishing out 16 assists for Pascack Valley last season, he is a do-it-all player who will be a big part of this team’s 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. 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 defensive 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 five goals and had five 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 year’s 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 lay 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.”
Ressler earns state seventh-place finish
By PV Sports Beat staff
Seven suddenly seems to be the magic number for Pascack Valley wrestlers.
PV senior Dan Ressler defeated Francisco Colom of St. Peter's Prep by a 2-0 score to secure seventh place in the 152-pound bracket Sunday at the season-ending NJSIAA Individual Wrestling Championships at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.
The top eight in each weight class are considered medal winners, and this marked the second straight year that PV had a seventh-place finisher. PV's Damian Murberg snared seventh at 189 pounds a year ago, snapping a 10-year drought since the school's previous state place-winner, Steve Hult in 2001.
PV's other entrant in the tourney, senior Dean Piterski, put forth a valiant effort but had his season end with a 6-4 loss to Delbarton's Max Rogers in the preliminaries Friday night. Piterski threw Rogers for what could have been the winning points, but it was just after the final buzzer, and Rogers went on to place seventh in the loaded 120-pound field.
Ressler (37-4), who like Piterski faced a win-or-go-home situation in the preliminaries Friday night against a battle-tested opponent in V.J. Delmonico of Phillipsburg, pulled out a 9-8 decision. At that point, the tournament becomes double-elimination, and Ressler topped Region 6 champion Nick Herring of Middletown South, 6-3, in the pre-quarterfinals.
Ressler was bounced into the wrestlebacks when he dropped a 5-0 verdict to unbeaten Ray Bethea, who went on to win the championship. From his position in the wrestlebacks, Ressler needed to secure one win to put himself in medal position, which he did by defeating Steve Johns of Southern Regional, 5-2.
A 10-5 loss to Passaic Tech's Pelal Deeb, one of the favorites coming into the tourney who went on to place fifth, put Ressler into the seventh-place match against Colom. A takedown by Ressler late in the first period was the only scoring in the match. Ressler, whose only two losses entering the tourney came at the hands of tourney runner-up Sal Mastriani of Don Bosco Prep, finished his career with a PV-record 128 wins.
Boardwalk Bound
Dan Ressler, top in the white singlet, and Dean Piterski, bottom in the white singlet, have earned berths in this weekend's NJSIAA Individual Wrestling Championships at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. (Photos courtesy of Justin Roth)
Ressler, Piterski poised for state tourney
By Bill Rawson
and Brandon Roth
PV Sports Beat
For Pascack Valley seniors Dan Ressler and Dean Piterski, this time of the year is about new challenges.
And new faces.
Ressler and Piterski will delve into the unknown and start their journeys toward state wrestling medals against a pair of unfamiliar opponents this Friday as the NJSIAA Individual Wrestling Championships kicks into gear at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.
The pre-quarterfinals take place Friday after the preliminaries. The tournament continues Saturday with the quarterfinals, wrestlebacks, and semifinals. It concludes Sunday with the seventh, fifth, and third-place consolations, followed by the championship round.
In Friday’s preliminary round, Ressler (33-2) will square off with V.J. Delmonico (28-12) of Phillipsburg at 152 pounds, while Piterski (32-2) will tussle with Max Rogers (33-2) of Delbarton in the rugged 120-pound bracket.
Region champions advanced directly to Friday night’s pre-quarterfinal round. However, Region second and third-place finishers need to win a preliminary round match in order to advance into the pre-quarters, which is when the tournament enters its double elimination phase. The top eight placewinners in each weight class are considered medalists. Damian Murberg placed seventh year ago at 189 for PV.
Neither Ressler nor Piterski has ever faced his preliminary-round opponent, but Ressler is fine with that.
“Sometimes (being familiar with your opponent) makes you wrestle a certain way,” Ressler said. “Sometimes it’s better to go out there with a clear mind. Don’t worry about who you’re wrestling. Just wrestle your own match.”
Delmonico’s record is somewhat deceiving, because Phillipsburg, the Group 4 state champion, always wrestles strong competition, including some tough schools from Pennsylvania.
Ressler is PV’s all-time leader in wins with 124 (Steve Hult had the previous record of 121) and was Region 2 runner-up for the second straight year. His only two losses this season are to unbeaten Sal Mastriani (37-0) of Don Bosco Prep, who finished fourth in the state a year ago at 145.
Ressler said he’s examined Delmonico’s opponents and has some idea of what he’s up against.
“I see he lost to a couple kids I know I can beat, so I’m pretty confident about that,” Ressler said.
If Ressler takes care of business against Delmonico, he will face senior Nick Herring (33-4) of Middletown South, with a possible showdown looming against highly touted Raamiah Bethea (33-0) of Trenton in the quarterfinals. Ressler said he defeated Bethea in an independent tournament just before the high school season began. Ressler was prominently mentioned in the Star-Ledger's video preview of his weight class.
For Piterski, unfortunately, it was like deja vu all over again this season as he renewed a rivalry with Ridgewood sophomore Joe Oliva (33-5). For the second straight year, Piterski defeated Oliva in December’s Bergen County Tournament before losing to him in the Region 2 tourney. This year, that loss was in the Region final.
Consequently, Piterski will battle a tough customer in Rogers, a state sixth-place finisher last year at 119. Many consider 120 pounds to be one of the most brutal weight classes in the tournament. A win would propel Piterski into a pre-quarterfinal match-up against North Bergen’s Anthony Giraldo (37-2), who earned a state fourth-place medal at 112 last year.
“My weight class is basically the most packed weight class in the state,” said Piterski, who owns a 93-28 career record. “But I know anything’s possible down at states.”
Piterski said he has enjoyed the unique bonds — with teammates and opponents alike — that wrestling provides.
“My goals were to get to states and really just have a good time down there, finish out the season with some good medals under my belt,” Piterski said. 
