Lacrosse

Sparta 7, PJ 6 Ryan Matthes scored four times as Sparta squeaked out a 7-6 victory over Pope John on Thursday. The win was the twelfth in 14 decisions for the Spartans. Nik Heckman chipped in with a goal and assist. Kevin Echemendia and Aari Young added goals with Vinny Florentino was credited with a pair of assists. Sparta 13, Nutley 2 On Tuesday, Nik Heckman scored five times and dished off an assist as the Spartans jumped out to a 7-0 lead by intermission in routing Nutley 13-2. Ryan Matthes and Aari Young contributed two goals apiece, with Kevin Enchemendia and Vinny Florentino each adding a goal and two assists. Caldwell 12, PJ 6 Pope John led 5-1 at the the halftime break on a pair of goals by Adam Monsalve, but Caldwell rallied to defeat the Lions 12-6 in Essex County on Saturday. Travis Barrett, Dave DiLauri, Mike Falduto and Corbin Falvo scored goals as the Lions’ record sagged to 9-5. PJ 6, Kennelon 5 In girls’ lacrosse, Lauren Cartier netted four goals as Pope John rallied to upset Kinnelon 6-5 as the Colts lost for only the second time in 15 games. Mallory Clark, Victoria Simpson and Aubree Williams scored solo goals as the Lady Lions upped their record to 6-8. Vernon 9, Whippany 4 Linda Bohn turned in a hat trick effort as Vernon defeated Whippany Park 9-4. Kayla Macerino chipped in with two goals and an assist while Jess Hegner scored twice. Silje Karison and Amanda Matos added solo goals.