MONROE — Masuk High's girls' lacrosse team, the top seed in the South-West Conference Tournament, defeated visiting and No. 4 Newtown 13-9 in the semifinals on May 21.

It was a back-and-forth battle in the first half and the game was even 6-6 at the intermission. Masuk seized control in the third, claiming a 10-7 advantage heading into the fourth, and pulled ahead 12-7. Draw controls were the big difference-maker in this one as Masuk gained possession off 19 of 24 draws.

"Even in the first half when we weren't getting possession our defense was making stops. We just couldn't get possession and we tried every trick we have," Fletcher said.

The Panthers possess a lot of speed and Newtown's goal was to slow the pace of the game but Masuk's dominance on the draw allowed it to push the pace. Taking that into account the Nighthawks did an impressive job of sticking around for much of the game.

Sumer Harrell had five goals and two assists and Jules Battaglia, Ava Mitchell, Nikki Kaplan, and Jen Socci all scored. For Masuk, Lily Cameron scored five times and Bailey Bajda gained possession off most of the draws and scored twice. The Panthers advanced to take on No. 3 New Fairfield in the title game, scheduled to take place a neutral site NHS Thursday, May 23, at 7 pm.

"Disappointing loss but it's a very good team," said Fletcher, adding that she expected the Panthers to win the championship.

Newtown will look to get back to its winning ways in the upcoming State Tournament.

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