Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 4/21/22 – From Staff Report
It was a day for the Springfield-Delco girls’ lacrosse program to begin memories on a new field while remembering a former multi-sport coaching legend while recognizing a current coach who has enjoyed much success at many lacrosse venues.
The first game was played at Jane Brusch/Keith Broome Field Thursday as the Cougars toppled Lower Merion, 16-9, in a Central League game. Before the contest, longtime Springfield girls’ coach Keith Broome was honored in a ceremony with many former players and assistant coaches. The turf field – built next to the new football stadium – also honors the memory of legendary Springfield field hockey, basketball and tennis coach Jane E. Brusch.
Brusch taught health and physical education from 1947-1983 at Springfield and served as coach for the Varsity Field Hockey team for 31 years (211-20-21; 13 undefeated seasons, 14 Central League titles). In 1979, she was featured in Sports Illustrated for her impressive field hockey coaching career and she was inducted into the Springfield Hall of Fame and the Delco Sports Hall of Fame. Brusch also coached girls’ tennis and basketball for many years.
Brusch passed away 10 years ago.
This new multi-sport field will house many events besides high school lacrosse and field hockey. And on its first day of use, Broome – who has guided the Cougars for 25 years – earned his 450th victory.
Broome has led the Cougars to seven District 1 championships and in 2019 led the team to its first PIAA championship (Class AA) and was named Phillylacrosse.com Co-Coach of the Year. He has been to the PIAA finals three other times.
Mia Valerio led the Cougars (8-2 overall, 4-2 league) with five goals and three assists and Erin DeStefano added four goals and one assist.
Springfield-Delco 16, Lower Merion 9
Springfield-Delco 6-10-16
Lower Merion 4-5-9
Springfield-Delco
Mia Valerio 5g, 3a
Erin DeStefano 4g,1a
Devin Buggy 2g
Claire Lynch 2g, 1a
Maddie Kane 2g
Gabby Rizzio 1g
Molly Convery 1a
Madison McBride 8 saves
Lower Merion
Mia Falco 3g
Avery Bickell 2g
Lea Cini 1g
Eliza Rudy 1g
Finley Hoffman 1g
Rachel Riggio 1g
