Paramus Blanks Ridgewood, Wins Third Game This Week

What a week it has been for the Paramus Spartan softball team. Paramus recorded its third straight shutout, blanking neighboring Ridgewood 9-0 on Friday.

Pitcher Tori Feorenzo (5-1) scattered five hits (all singles), walked two, and struck out six.

“I came in really focused,” the staff ace said after the game. “I had a lot to play for.”

The Spartans used a five-run fifth inning to put the game out of reach and avenge last year’s loss to the Maroons, now 2-5 overall.

Paramus first baseman Victoria Vergona knocked in five runs, hitting an RBI double in the first and blasting a grand slam to right center in the fifth.

“She’s been doing it all year for us,” Paramus head coach Brian Hay said. “Right now, there’s not a kid swinging the bat better than her. This is what we expect of her and she expects it of herself.”

Vergona said she didn’t realize the bases were loaded when she came up to bat.  After swinging through the first pitch and then taking a ball, she was locked in.

“I was just looking to get a hit,” the Lafayette-bound senior said.

Vergona did just that, making solid contact and taking Ridgewood pitcher Nicole Hroncich (2-4) deep.

“It was a great feeling,” she added.

Ridgewood was unable to pick up hits with runners on base. Second baseman Lauren Tom had the best day for a Maroon against Feorenzo, going 2-for-3 (two singles).

“The girls did a great job today,” said Hay, who is in his ninth year at the helm. “I think the kids wanted it. They knew what was at stake. It’s a league game. It’s an important game in the county, seeding wise.”

Stephanie Huang, who went 2-for-3 and scored two runs, has been healthy and playing well after tearing her ACL last year.

“It’s definitely fun,” the Spartan leadoff hitter said. “I waited a long time for this.”

Second baseman Shayna Brock had a good day at the plate, going 2-for-3 with an RBI, a walk, and scored three times.

All in all, Paramus racked up eight hits and five walks. Two runs scored on a throwing error.

This was the third shut out for the Spartans this week. On Monday, Paramus blanked Old Tappan 6-0 and shut out Teaneck 10-0 on Thursday.

“Three shut outs this week shows what type of pitcher we’ve got,” Hay said of Feorenzo, who stymied the Maroons all game. “We’re hoping that this carries over to next week because we have a tough week ahead.”

The Spartans start the week by facing Wayne Hills on Monday and Holy Angels on Tuesday.

“We still have a long way to go but I know we’re going to do great,” said Vergona, who has eight RBI in her last two games. “We find ways to win.”