Ramapo Lax Takes Down Bergen Catholic Crusaders

After losing two close games to Bergen Catholic last season, the Raiders got some revenge on Wednesday, defeating the Crusaders 8-6.

“I think any time Ramapo can beat Bosco and Bergen or any of those great programs, it’s a great win,” said Ramapo Coach Tim Roy.

Chris Colaneri, Sal Sassano and Zach Hirsch provided the offensive fire power in part thanks to the defense playing shut-down D all game.

 “Our defense played really, really well to allow us to do some things and stretch out,” said Roy.

After a 2-2 deadlock in the first, the Raiders outscored BC 4-1 in the second quarter to take a 6-3 lead into the half.  Colaneri notched a hat trick in the first half, Cory Steimel scored a goal, and Sal Sassano scored one of his two goals in the first half.

Playing a more defensive minded game in the second half, Ramapo kept BC scoring to a minimum and held on for an 8-6 win despite being outshot 45-32.

Goalie Mike Turpan had 14 saves in net for the Raiders and Matt Bunting and Alex DiClemente led the team in ground balls with seven and six respectively.  

Up next for Ramapo is a tough game against Mahwah on Saturday.  Last year, they took an 8-7 loss to the T-Birds because of some missed opportunities.  “We felt like we had three or four opportunities to put the ball away and we didn’t,” said Roy.

The schedule doesn’t get any easier from there, as Ramapo will then take on Don Bosco and Kinnelon next week.

“Ultimately we’re just preparing for the playoffs.  Any day we can play against Bosco, who’s having a great year, and we could play and compete, that’s just one step closer to being successful in the playoffs,” said Roy.