On May 16, 2019, the Pascack Valley Softball team lost to Paramus by a score of 1-0 in the first round of the North 1, Group 3 state sectional tournament. After 704 days without a game, the team will finally take the field on Tuesday for its 2021 season-opener against Tenafly.

“I’m just excited to get back on the field and I think [the team is] too,” coach Lauren Bacsik said. “They’re ready to play and so am I.”

Due to the graduation of a large senior class in 2020, the team will look to many first-time varsity players to step up this season. Outside of junior pitcher Alex Spadafino, Valley will trot out an entire lineup full of first-time varsity players.

“We only have one returning [varsity] player,” Bacsik said. “Even though we may not have much experience, I think that as the season progresses, we will improve.”

In the 2019 season, Valley finished with a record of 7-13. So far this season, the team has competed in two scrimmages – one against Park Ridge and another against Fair Lawn. PV came out on top by a score of 4-1 against Park Ridge, but fell to Fair Lawn by a score of 8-1.

Spadafino and Junior Madison Silcher are the team captains in 2021, and their coach has shown full confidence in both of them.

“I think [Spadafino & Silcher are] going to do an excellent job of leading that positivity, that energy,” Bascik said. “That excitement that we need to bring us all together.”