Newtown High School’s softball team bounced back from a 4-0 season-opening defeat at New Milford on April 10 to earn a 20-2, five-inning, mercy-rule triumph at Bethel on April 13.

Sydney Adolfson went 4-for-5 with four runs batted in; Caroline Gardner went 2-for-3 with a two-run home run and two RBI; Ashley Hubner went 3-for-3 with three RBI; and Katie Goyda and Bri Pellicone scored three and four runs apiece, providing solid at bats at the top of the order.

Gardner worked with catcher Morgan Melillo to strike out nine batters in her five frames.

Seven of ten starters played their first varsity softball game in the opener at New Milford.

Gardner went 2-for-3. Goyda and Gardner were outstanding in the field, with Goyda turning a double play. Melillo called a strong game behind the plate and Adolfson struck out eight batters.

Brianna Pellicone, Gina Lewis, and Adolfson all had hits.

“New Milford hit the gaps. We just hit it right at them,” Newtown Coach Joanna Closs said.

The Hawks fell 5-0 at Masuk of Monroe on April 14. Hubner had two of Newtown's five hits, and Adolfson doubled in the setback.