A trio of Nighthawks notched hat tricks to account for nine of the Newtown High School girls’ lacrosse team’s baker’s dozen goals in a season-opening win. The Nighthawks posted a 13-4 win over visiting Brookfield at Blue & Gold Stadium on April 10.

Isabella Butler, Gia Corso, and Shea Murphy each tallied three times, Elena Sughrue scored twice, and Bella Gerace and Jules Battaglia also scored.

Corso had two assists, and Summer Harrell and Bella Gerace also set up goals.

Bella Gerace was a ground ball scooping machine, helping the Nighthawks gain possession throughout the mid-day contest.

“They shared the ball great. The offense has great symmetry. Outstanding one v one defense,” said Coach Maura Fletcher, noting that defensive standouts included Emma Magazu and Bella Gerace.

It was all Nighthawks in the opening half as the Hawks established a 10-1 lead heading into the break.

As pleased as Fletcher was with the opening-half outburst, she was a bit disappointed in the second half, but it is early yet.

“We weren’t trying to not score. We have little things to work on. We had a lot of young players out there today,” Fletcher said.

Newtown was short four players due to coronavirus protocol, and down two more because of injury.

“It’s so great to be back here. We’re thankful for every day,” said Fletcher, alluding to losing all of last season due to the impact of the coronavirus.

Murphy was also thrilled to be playing again, after sitting out the basketball season recovering from an injury. She was limited to just ten minutes in each half while getting back into game mode, and certainly made the most of it with her net-finders.

“It’s perfect timing with the end of the school year,” Murphy said of getting to spend more time with her friends and compete in a sport she will continue playing at the collegiate level next year. “I couldn’t ask for anything better.”

The Nighthawks beat visiting Immaculate of Danbury 18-3 on April 13. Newtown led 12-1 at the half.

Sughrue and Corso both had hat-tricks. Erin Phaneuf had two goals and two assists, Gabby Soltis scored twice, and Shea Murphy had a pair of goals and an assist.

Bella Gerace, Butler, and Shannon Kelleher, along with freshmen Harrell, Battaglia, and Ava Mitchell all scored a goal.