MONROE — Newtown High School’s field hockey team set out to break last season’s team and individual point marks, believed by the coaching staff to be program records, and the Nighthawks are well on their way. Following up a 7-0 triumph over visiting Shepaug Valley at Treadwell Park on September 19, the Nighthawks blanked host Masuk 6-0 on September 24 and now have 34 goals in just six games.

The Nighthawks netted 64 goals, led by 36 points (combined goals and assists) from Katie Goyda last fall. With ten more regular-season contests plus who knows how many playoff games ahead, Goyda and company certainly seem poised to surpass last year’s marks.

Goyda had a natural hat-trick (three unanswered goals) in the first half as Newtown established a 3-0 lead over Masuk at the break. Katie Dirga scored just over a minute into the second half, and junior Jenna Reilly (the team also has a senior with the same name), and Izzy Butler also hit the back of the cage.

“We have a very strong offensive line this year,” said Shannon Paproski, who is helping coach the team along with her sister, Stephanie Kearns.

Paproski rattled off the names of players who have played a big part in the early offensive surge: Goyda, Reagan Schoen, Butler, Dirga, Walsh. Talk about a potent offense in a sport known for featuring low-scoring battles.

Newtown’s defense, anchored by goaltenders Gigi Marino and Rebecca Filiato, got its fourth shutout of the slate despite some late-game penalty corner pressure by the Masuk Panthers.

The win over Shepaug Valley was an abbreviated one. An injury sustained by a Shepaug Valley player stopped play in the second half, and the game was halted. Butler recorded a natural hat-trick of her own, and Dirga, Walsh, senior Jenna Reilly, and Shannon Kelleher all scored. Goyda had two assists, and Walsh, Schoen, and Reilly (the senior) added helpers.

Winning is always enjoyable, but the players are making it all the more rewarding for the coaches and each other.

“We have a really nice group of girls,” Paproski said.

"It's a lot of fun. We all work so well together and it gives me something to look forward to at the end of the day," Goyda said.

The Nighthawks carry a 6-0 mark into the Friday, September 27, visit to Joel Barlow of Redding. Newtown hosts Bethel on Wednesday, October 2, and entertains Brookfield on Friday, October 4 — both at Blue & Gold Stadium beginning at 3:45 pm.