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Springfield (Delco) tops Conestoga, wins first District 1 lacrosse crown

About this time last year, Kyle Long was an eighth-grader just finishing up his last playoff game for his Springfield youth lacrosse club.

About this time last year, Kyle Long was an eighth-grader just finishing up his last playoff game for his Springfield youth lacrosse club.

Thursday night, however, the Springfield (Delco) freshman dished three assists to help the Cougars capture their first District 1 lacrosse championship by beating league rival Conestoga, 7-5, at West Chester Henderson.

"I'm not surprised," coach Tom Lemieux said. "There are no freshmen anymore. It's May 21, and he's not a freshman anymore. He's going to be a special one."

In a game that featured several swings in momentum, two Long assists helped to decide the fourth quarter tug-of-war.

After the Pioneers rallied from a three-goal deficit to nab a one-goal lead at the end of three quarters, Long assisted on back-to-back goals to start the fourth.

The first was a long loft that barely avoided Conestoga sticks before it bounced, was fielded by Dan Wasson and fired on net.

It certainly wasn't pretty, but was effective nonetheless.

"I wish I would have thrown it harder in the air, but it got there and it got it done," Long said, smiling. "And that's most important."

The second was a perfect feed to a wide open Mike Gerzabek, who netted his third goal.

"In the beginning of the game, some of my passes were getting deflected, but coach kept pressuring me to believe I could do it," Long said.

Tenth-seeded Conestoga (13-10) was led by two goals apiece from Steve Hildebrand and Chris Brady. Hildebrand started the Pioneers' third-quarter rally with a brute-force blast surrounded by four defenders.

Lucas Spence, the star for fourth-seeded Springfield (18-4), scored twice and occupied Pioneer eyes throughout.

"He's unbelievable," Lemieux said. "I'll put him up against any kid in the country. He's that special."

The only thing special to the Lehigh recruit was his first championship - ever.

"Awesome, just absolutely awesome," he said. "Finally got a championship. It feels great. This is my first one ever, anything legit at least. I might have won a little kid's tournament before, but that doesn't count."

Speaking of talented lacrosse players, Long is the son of Cathy Large, who starred at Old Dominion University (also in field hockey). She scored a school record 177 goals.

Long still has time to accumulate his own accolades, but for now, he's just happy to send his seniors off in style.

"Obviously it's great to get one as a freshman," he said, "and for all these great seniors we have. But it's also the first for Springfield, so that's a big deal for the program."

Conestoga 1 0 4 0 - 5

Springfield 2 2 0 3 - 7

C: Tommy Sopko, Steven Hildebrand 2, Chris Brady 2.

S: Mike Gerzabek 3, Lucas Spence 2, Zac Methlie, Dan Wasson.

Saves: C-John Roulston 6; S-James Spence 8.

cartera@phillynews.com

@AceCarterINQ