(This is one of a series of HS girls’ previews for the 2021 scholastic season)
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 3/29/21
Team: Springfield-Delco
League: Central League
Coaches: Head coach Keith Broome (25th year, 429 wins, 2019 Phillylacrosse.com Co-Coach of the Year), assistants Kathleen Geiger, Sarah Damato, Jackie Grenier
2019 record: 20-6, PIAA Class AA champions
Key players: “The 2021 season will be a new era for the Springfield Girls’ lacrosse program. The 2020 year saw the departure of one of the best classes of players in the history of the program. Eleven players moved on to the collegiate level. A new opportunity awaits an extremely young team. Makayla Cox is the only returning player with varsity experience.
“The team will be led by four seniors; Rachel Conran Goalie, Cox Defense, Lauren Johnston attack and Casey O’Connor (Lehigh) will be lost for the season due to a knee injury. The defense will be anchored by Cox, junior Gabby Rizzio, sophomores Anabel Kreydt, Lexi Aaron, Mia Valerio and freshman Olivia Gutowski. The attack will be led by juniors Julia Flaherty, Bella King, sophomores; Karli Henderson, Erin De Stefano and freshman Devin Buggy and Claire Lynch.”
Coach’s Outlook: “The team looks to compete in the Central League and qualify for its 24th consecutive District I tournament.”
School: Upper Perkiomen
League: Pioneer Athletic Conference
Head coach: Catie Sobotor, 3rd season
Key Players: Bella Carpenter, Senior, A/MF, 2019 Second Team All-League, 2019 All-Area Honorable Mention; Josie Mertz, Senior, MF; Luci Carpenter, Junior, MF/D , 2019 Second Team All-League, 2019 All-Area Honorable Mention; Lizzie Greczek, Junior, D; Lindsay Bieler, Junior, A;
Others to watch: Kyra Lesko, Sophmore, MF; Marykate Sitko, Sophmore, MF; Jess Traynor, Sophmore, A
Coach’s Outlook: “We have a young team this year that has been working hard off campus due to COVID protocol. We are looking on building from what we were able to do two years ago, as well as learning to grow through the adversity of last year’s shortened season. In these current times, dedication and commitment aren’t just needed on the field, but off of it as well in order to succeed. We are looking forward to building the program. The potential is there, and we are looking forward to seeing what this young group of ladies can accomplish as they grow individually and as well as a team. The next few years are going to be exciting and I’m looking forward to seeing what this group of young women can accomplish.”
