Paramus Wins Battle of the Spartans at Volleyball State Tournament

The Paramus Spartans slaughtered the Sparta Spartans during one of Paramus' strongest played games of the year. Paramus defeated Sparta 2-0 at home during the preliminary round of the State Volleyball Tournament.

"I'm pleased with how we performed today," said Paramus coach Maria Elena Bellinger. "I know that when we play as well as we are capable of playing, we can beat any opponent."

The first game the Paramus Spartans came out strong scoring quickly against the Sparta Spartans.

Perhaps their quick points made Paramus a little too comfortable as Sparta ran up the score closing the gap of Paramus' lead. After numerous unforced errors, Paramus turned the game around to win 25-18.

The Paramus Spartans worked together with ease and skill. They clearly trusted each other and knew what each player was capable of. The Sparta Spartans, however, were hesitant. Sparta players had little control with their passes and even less control with their serves. Paramus Spartan Mary Thompson stood out with very strong short serves, causing Sparta to freeze as the ball hit the floor.

Paramus won the second game 25-7 and moved on to the first round of the State Tournament.

"To give [them] credit, Sparta has had a good season all year," said Bellinger. "We knew no one is going to come in State Tournament time and give us a win because it's a season ending loss for anyone. So no matter what it's always going to be a fight."

Paramus Spartan Stephanie Peros lead the team with 14 kills, Thompson had 17 assists, while Peros and Lindsay Shaw had 4 digs each. Paramus's Thompson and Alicia Devany scored 5 aces against Sparta each.

"One of the things I talked to the girls about after the first game was that we were starting to make some unforced errors," said Bellinger about Paramus' strong finish. "Teams are going to earn their points, but we had to stop giving away points. That was our focus in the second game: to limit unforced errors and I think that was the drastic difference that came about in the score."

Paramus continues their run at the State Tournament this Friday for the first round. The "Tournament of Champions" is scheduled for Nov. 18.