A two-game losing streak was snapped by the Newtown High School field hockey team at Blue & Gold Stadium on October 1. The girls faced off against Masuk of Monroe and came away with a 7-0 win to improve to 5-4 overall. Newtown had beaten Masuk 3-1 earlier in the season, and had a much easier time in the rematch behind the scoring of a variety of players.

“I think it’s exactly what we needed,” said senior captain Emily Campbell. “We all have the skills but sometimes forget how great of a team we are. A win like this gives us a confidence boost we can use going forward in the season.”

It was a true team performance as the seven goals came from five different players. Seniors Caroline Chocholak and Emma DeFlumeri led the team with two goals each, and Chocholak also added in an assist. Sophomores Lauren Zimmerman and Megan Kelleher also put in a goal each, as did junior Shannon Lynch.

“It was a lot better playing these guys the second time around because I feel like we are really playing more as a team and we are starting to really gel and come together,” senior Haley Trudell said.

After losing to 2-1 to New Milford on September 26 and 1-0 to Weston on September 30 this was a great way for the girls to snap their small losing streak.

“Hopefully we keep playing together and the rest of our season goes just like tonight,” Trudell added. 

Newtown suffered a tough 2-0 loss at Bethel on October 7. The score, however, does not do the Newtown girls justice as it was close, hard-fought game the whole way through.

“It was a really great game. Both teams played really hard and came out with intensity. I was really proud of the fact that we played as a team and communicated as a team should on the field,” senior Caroline Tanner said.

Sophomore Megan Kelleher made a name for herself with an outstanding performance in the back.

“Even though she was out of her usual midfield position and played defense for most of the game she helped us a lot in moving the ball up the field quickly,” Campbell said of her fellow teammate.

Senior captain and goaltender Casey Demers had a good game as she made multiple key saves to keep her team in it. The Nighthawks believed they could have won the game with a slightly better performance.

“Mistakes happen but we still played a strong game and hopefully we can get some momentum going for the rest of the season,” Tanner said.

The Nighthawks were scheduled to host Joel Barlow of Redding at 7 pm on October 9 and will host FCIAC team Ridgefield at Treadwell Park for a 3:45 pm game on Monday, October 13.