Sparta Field Hockey Blanks Wallkill in a 1-0 Victory

Written by: Emma Cerra  

With a score of 0-0 throughout the entire first half and well into the second, it seemed to most that the two varsity teams would have no choice but to go into overtime. However, with Spartan determination, Sparta Field Hockey moved the ball down the field. With an assist by junior Lauren Groff, senior Captain Bella Tracey shot past the Ranger goalie and made for an impressive goal with only four minutes remaining on the clock.

Spartan offense awaits an insert from midfielder Lauren Groff. 

With six shots stopped by sophomore Emma Cerra, the Spartans held a shutout against the Rangers and reached the .500 mark, now 3-3 in the conference with the win. “This was a very aggressive team and we stepped it up in the second half. Scoring in the last four minutes really motivated us to push through and win!” says defensive back Taylor Canfield. Canfield, along with the starting lineup Ashley Nyhan and Captain Caroline Kepler, held a tight defense against the Rangers and drove the ball out of the circle numerous times during the match.

Freshman goalie Carley Hoover prepares for a shot on goal. 

While varsity came out with a victorious win, Sparta JV team ended the match with a score of 1-2. “The JV team had a tough battle... My teammates rocked it and we’re all very supportive of each other no matter the score,” says JV Captain Haley Capeci, a current junior at Sparta. Splitting time in the cage were goalies Morgan Denmead and Carley Hoover; the duo in total saved 6 shots on goal. On the offensive, freshman forward Casey Coleman (with an assist from sophomore Kayla Collinson) got a shot off and came out with Sparta’s only goal that game.

Both teams are set to play the Kittatinny Cougars on Saturday.

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With Field Hockey Coming To An End, Coach Lindsley Looks Ahead

Written by: Lauren Groff

This past weekend at the Lafayette House restaurant and banquet hall, the Sparta Field Hockey team officially closed out their 2017-2018 fall season. Recognizing the hard work the girls put in beginning in early August, the team and their family members enjoyed a plentiful brunch and dessert buffet while awards were presented, memories were happily recounted, and a slideshow, courtesy of senior defender Lauren Zanetakos, was projected for all to see. Maria Strongilos, Alexis Gudenkauf, Lauren Zanetakos, goalie Angela Elzind, and captains Hope Nafis and Jillian VanFleet, all graduating Varsity seniors, were awarded with blankets embroidered with their jersey number as well as numerous accolades including the Coach’s Award presented to Alexis Gudenkauf and scholarship awards from the field hockey booster club.

Varsity Junior Caroline Kepler (left) with
Varsity sophomore Ashley Nyhan

With a large number of graduating seniors with starting positions on the field, the team’s success for next year's season now lies with the returning Varsity underclassmen: Sophomores Kenzie Merwin, Lauren Groff, Taylor Canfield, Allie McGuire, Audrey Krajicek, Stephanie Villar, and Ashley Nyhan. There are only three returning Varsity Junior players on the team, all of whom were named Senior captains for the 2018-2019 season: Caroline Kepler, Isabella Tracy, and Lucie Wolfson.

Though it may be a difficult building year ahead, Lindsley and her girls know better than anyone else in the Patriot League how to keep their heads up and keep working hard.

JV Sophomores Haley Capeci, Raina Dhand,
Ashley Nyhan (Varsity) and Yasmeen Caswell

JV sophomore Jessica Fenners (left) and Varsity
sophomore Lauren Groff

The Men in Pinstripes

Written by: Brandon Drapeau 

In the New York Yankees' last ten games, they have been victorious in nine, sweeping the Rays and the Cardinals in the process. They would have won ten straight if it weren't for Tuesday evening's game against the White Sox, where the Yanks lost 4-1. Many of these wins wouldn’t be possible if it wasn't for incredible performances by Aaron Judge, with eleven hits (five of them being home runs) tallying eleven RBI’s. Also on the big performers list is Starlin Castro coming up big with a three-run home run last night to add to his RBI’s, giving him nine in the last ten games and solidifying the chance for a comeback in the game against the White Sox.

With lots of young talent on this team, some may say the Yankees can clinch their 28th ring this year. If 6-foot-7-inch Aaron Judge keeps blasting home runs, and the Yankees core starters keep throwing the way they have been, we might see Joe Girardi have to assign number 29 as his jersey number next season.

Scores from last ten games:

@ Baltimore: W 7-3

Tampa: W 1-8

Tampa: W 4-8

Tampa: W 2-3

St. Louise: W 3-4

St. Louise: W 2-3

St. Louise: W 3-9

Chicago: W 4-7

Chicago: L 4-1

Chicago: W 1-9



Editor's Note: This article was written during spring break, on April 20th. We are just getting the chance to get caught up with The Oracle as of now, 4/26, leading information to be delayed - the NY Yankees have since played more games. We will be posting future articles in a more timely manner.

SPARTA GIRLS 2017 LAX SEASON PREVIEW

Written by: Lauren Groff 

Although it may only be January, Sparta Girls’ Lacrosse Coach Kate Brennan has her players putting in work with pre-season in full swing. Brennan, who has been coaching at Sparta for 14 years, is proud to lead the Lady Spartans, who are currently ranked 25th in all of New Jersey. Holding such a good standing requires a lot of long hours on the field and in the weight room.

“I wouldn't say we need to improve, but we need to continue to grow," Brennan remarks. “Our players need determination to continue growth and get better to work better as a team."

The girls engage in weekly weight room practices, and some participate in the optional Monday night fitness class lead by former Sparta lacrosse goalie Becky Leonard at Black Bear Fitness. When asked who she felt Sparta’s biggest rivals would be this season, Brennan felt Morris Central was an appropriate prediction. “They have a strong program, and I respect both their players and coaches. They play on a grass field like we do.”

This years’ Freshman Team mostly consists of girls who have never picked up a stick before entering high school. Brennan comments that they are “ the nicest Freshman class” she has ever met, and is very excited for them to “be around a team who loves each other as much as our team does”.

The season may not even have officially begun yet, but it is already evident that the Lady Spartans are preparing for a successful season under Kate Brennan's lead!

Sparta Boys Basketball Rolling After Two Wins!

Written by: Billy Stoddard

Going into the game this Saturday against Hanover Park, fans began to become skeptical Sparta could get it done. Hanover Park was coming off a huge win over Roxbury where they scored 91 points. Sparta beat Roxbury in the holiday tournament but only won by six, putting up 48 points. Hanover Park was averaging 75 points a game. However, Sparta stayed tough and secured a big win. Jack Simon dominated with 16 points, Nick Lucas added 15, and Danny Smith came through with 7. The whole team played well and gained lots of momentum from the win.

After losing to Sparta in the finals of the Roxbury holiday tournament, Newton was hungry for a second chance. Despite a roadblock due to a great player, Newton's Jason Heter who is on a full ride to play basketball at Saint Michael's University, Sparta pushed through and got another win. Lockdown defense by Terrell Smith and Thomas Ferrara shut down Newton’s offense. Thomas Ferrara had a great game offensively, scoring 10 points. Jack Simon scored 13. Coach Brennan said that the team’s versatility and toughness helped them push through to get a very impressive win against a good Newton team.

Dr.Rossi Visits Sparta Basketball

        Of all the things Superintendent Dr. Rossi could do on his Friday afternoon, he stopped in at the Sparta boys basketball practice as they were preparing for an exposure game against Hanover Park at Hopatcong High School. As practice was winding down, Dr. Rossi visited the practice and saw what the team is all about. Dr. Rossi’s nephew Sean Rossi is a Sparta Alum who was a standout basketball player. After a fantastic career as a student athlete at Sparta, Sean went on to play college basketball at Ithaca college where he still holds the school record for assists. He also led the NCAA Division III in assists while he was playing. After graduating, Sean coached at West Point and currently coaches at Misericordia University.

       As practice ended, Coach Brennan introduced Dr. Rossi to the team. Coach Brennan said he would like to welcome him to the Sparta School District. Dr. Rossi was then given some Sparta Basketball apparel, which he loved. Coach Brennan ended practice preparing the team for a big upcoming game. He said, “We got to play with five guys on the same page, five guys on the same mission. Count on each other, and count on yourselves, and we will be fine.” Dr. Rossi said he looks forward to watching the upcoming games.

Sparta Basketball Has A Rough Start This Year...

Sparta boys basketball has a really rough schedule this year. Opening up against the number one team in Morris County, home against Randolph and then playing the number two team Morristown is a very challenging way to start a season. 

After losing a tight game to Randolph at home and then suffering another loss at Morristown, Sparta is not off to a perfect start. However the players and coaches involved are all very resilient and want to win. Coach Brennan has high hopes going into the holiday tournament hosted by Roxbury. 

Despite a tough start, the Spartans are determined to come out strong and continue to give maximum effort all the time.