MONROE — A combination of shutdown defense and a potent offense, made possible by complete domination in possession off faceoffs, led to the Newtown High School boys’ lacrosse team’s first win of the season, and first W for new Coach Tony Fitti. The Nighthawks pulled away in the second half and toppled the host Masuk Panthers 12-4 in a battle of South-West Conference foes under the lights on April 11. Newtown improved to 1-2 and Masuk fell to 2-2.

Newtown established a 4-0 halftime lead and went ahead 6-0 before finally surrendering a goal with 3:22 left in the third quarter. Three goals in the final 1:42 of the third gave the Nighthawks complete control. Colby Harrell answered Masuk’s tally, Marcus Gerace made a nice spin move near the net to extend the lead only 24 seconds later. Sam Steare then made his own spin move to elude a couple defenders up high, then whipped home a shot with only two seconds remaining to give the Nighthawks a 9-1 lead going to the fourth.

A trio of tallies in the final 12-minute quarter allowed Fitti to rotate some of his players, including taking starting goaltender Reilly Nydell out. Masuk got the final three net-finders but Newtown was well on its way to victory.

A key to Newtown’s dominance was possession. The Nighthawks, led by Stites’ faceoff prowess, won 17 of 18 draws to gain control.

“We were able to set the tone at the faceoff X for the game. We essentially played make it-take it after goals, which allowed our team to set the pace and dictate the game. It benefited our defense because it took the pressure off them and allowed them to stay fresh. We were able to make mistakes knowing we were dominating the face off X. It’s a three-man effort and our faceoff unit was a huge part of our success,” Fitti noted.

Players who combined to contribute to the success on draws at given times were Cole Stockwell, Asher Williams, Marc Maurath, and Charlie Dunn.

Harrell and Gerace both finished with three goals and an assist, Steare netted two goals and a pair of assists, Kyle Ruddy had a goal and three assists, and Stites, Gavin Doyle, and Eli Williams all found the back of the net.

Stites accumulated nine ground ball scoops, Williams had four, and Steare, Stockwell, and Maurath all had a trio of grounders.

“Our effort was through the roof. Our energy level was through the roof. I think we got better every single quarter,” Fitti said. “Defensively, we just stuck to what we preach in practice. We played fundamental team defense.”

The Hawk D was led by J.J. Haddick, Stockwell, Dylan Macey, and Nydell in net.

Fitti said this was a total team effort with seniors Steare, Nydell, Harrell, and Williams doing a great job getting the Nighthawks ready to play.

“It feels good. It’s always good to get in the win column,” said Fitti, adding that the Nighthawks are building and looking to improve to a point they are playing their best lacrosse when it counts most.

Newtown was coming off an 11-5 loss to visiting New Milford on April 6, followed by a 13-8 setback at nonconference opponent Amity of Woodbridge two days later. After hosting Immaculate of Danbury on Thursday, April 13, the Hawks will go on the road and out of conference again to take on Daniel Hand of Madison on Saturday, April 15 at 1 pm (check the April 21 print edition of The Bee for coverage). NHS visits Danbury on Wednesday, April 19 at 6:30 pm before returning home to take on SWC rival Weston the next night, under the lights at Blue & Gold Stadium at 7.

Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.