NHS Field Hockey Team Falls To Norwalk, Barlow In OT

Newtown High School’s field hockey team fell to 4-5-0-1 with a regulation loss at Norwalk and an overtime setback to visiting Joel Barlow of Redding this week.

The Nighthawks were locked up in a scoreless battle with nonconference foe Norwalk, a state runner-up squad a year ago, through halftime before ultimately falling 3-0 on Saturday. Goaltender Lauren Sarna came up with ten saves in a strong performance.

The overall team performance was one Newtown Coach Amanda Hadgraft wasn’t satisfied with. NHS had to handle 17 Norwalk penalty corners, one of which resulted in a goal.

“We need a gut check big-time with this team,” the coach said. “We have the skills. We can easily stay with a team like Norwalk,” Hadgraft said.

In a rematch with Barlow, which had beaten NHS 2-0 at home earlier in the campaign, the Nighthawks proved they have it in them to be more competitive. They took the Falcons to overtime and lost a 2-1 heart-breaker at Blue & Gold Stadium.

Newtown was scheduled to host Lauralton Hall of Milford on Wednesday (after The Bee sports section went to press). NHS will visit Brookfield on Friday, October 12, and return home for the first of four straight home games to end the regular season when New Fairfield visits on October 16.                                                                              —AH