Each time visiting Wethersfield made a run or hit a big shot Newtown High School’s girls’ basketball team had an answer in their Class LL State Tournament second-round matchup on March 1.

The Nighthawks came away with a 51-41 victory to earn a spot in the quarterfinals. Fifth-seeded Newtown will visit No. 4 Hamden in the next round, Thursday, March 7 at 7 pm.

Moments after No. 12 Wethersfield made a 3-pointer to cut Newtown’s lead in half, making the score 31-28, Cyleigh Wilson drained a 3-pointer for the Hawks to restore the six-point advantage with 4:31 left in the third quarter. Newtown carried a 36-30 lead into the fourth.

Newtown began the final period with seven straight points to seize a 43-30 lead, capped by Amy Sapenter’s drive to the hoop for two points with 4:46 to play.

Wethersfield quickly chopped six points off the deficit to get to within 43-36 with 3:30 left, but that was as close as Newtown’s opponents would get.

Nicki DaPra’s step-back mid-range shot ended the run and made it a nine-point lead with 2:58 showing on the scoreboard clock.

The Nighthawks led 16-9 after one quarter of play and 31-23 at halftime.

Wilson, Carlie Smith, and DaPra all scored a dozen, and Sapenter dropped in nine to lead Newtown. Wilson had five assists.

Sapenter and Jackie Matthews each grabbed seven rebounds, Smith and DaPra both had five rebounds, and Sarah Nowacki had four. DaPra and Smith both had a pair of Newtown’s six blocks.

Nowacki and Sapenter each had a steal.