Setola and Buldo Lead Pascack Valley into Uncharted Waters

It was only a year ago when Anthony Setola stood on the sidelines in street clothes.  He and his fellow teammates watched as Pascack Valley fell to Ramapo in the state tournament, ending what was an incredible season.

With standout goalie Kevin Switzer having played his last game, Setola would have his time to shine in net.

The only problem was that he didn’t know if he would even play this season. A torn ACL derailed Setola’s junior year and jeopardized a potential breakout senior season.

Through constant hard work and dedication, Setola made it all the way back and has started in goal for Pascack Valley in every game this season.

 

Following up Switzer’s career was definitely a difficult task, but Anthony Setola stepped up beautifully. Having one of the best save percentages in the county, Setola is the anchor for a Pascack Valley team who came into Monday with a 14-1 record.

Despite his fantastic play throughout the season, Setola came up no bigger than against Fair Lawn in a 7-6 victory. He made save after save to halt a Fair Lawn comeback and provide Pascack Valley with a signature win.  

When asked about his performance, Setola was quick to give his other teammates credit.

“I have to rely on the defense to make sure they don’t get great shots. After that, I have to trust myself and just play.”

After holding a 7-5 lead late in the fourth quarter, Fair Lawn responded with a goal that cut the lead to 1. The pressure started to mount and it felt as though Fair Lawn would tie the game before the end of regulation. Luckily for the Indians, Setola wasn’t going to let that happen. He made an unbelievable save in the final minute to secure the victory.

“I didn’t want to let the team down and that motivates me,” Setola said.

“Setola was amazingly big,” said Senior Mike Buldo. “He kept bailing out the offensive when we couldn’t keep the ball. If it were any other goalie, the game would have been very different. He saved us.”

Mike Buldo was quick to praise Setola, but it was he who led the offense and scored for the Indians when they needed it most. Buldo scored four goals on the day, but none was bigger than the one late in the final quarter to extend the Indian lead to 7-5.

“Mike is always important,” said Setola of the Pascack Valley’s vocal leader. “He is amazing when it comes to ground balls and he is a great attack man. He also gets us all pumped up and helps everyone play their best.”

Zach Beja, Kevin Illian, and Nick Soravilla scored the other three goals for a Pascack Valley team that now stands at 15-1. Their lone loss came at the hands of Northern Highlands early in the season.

Even more importantly, this win took the Indians to a place they have never been before: The Bergen County tournament semifinals.

Pascack Valley will match up with top seeded Bergen Catholic this afternoon at Ridgewood High School. Whether they win or lose, their win against Fair Lawn was a big step in the right direction for this program.

“With this win we were able to reach another one of our goals,” Setola added.

“To be as young as we are and in the semifinals is awesome,” Buldo said.

Pascack Valley is not done yet though.

Defeating Bergen Catholic would shock the county and would give Pascack Valley attention across the state.

With all the success the Indians have had this season, the attention would be well deserved.

@Feartheindian