By Kim J. Harmon

STRATFORD – With thrilling victories over Laurzalton Hall and Pomperaug to close out the regular season, the Lady Nighthawks had done what they had set out to do back in September – that is, qualify for the South-West Conference playoffs.

But their reward for winning those two matches and earning the eighth and final playoff seed was a trip down to Stratford last Saturday to face the Bunnell Lady Bulldogs, who finished first in the Colonial Division with a 15-0 record, 17-1 overall.

Some reward.

But the Lady Nighthawks still faced the Lady Bulldogs with some confidence. Only trouble was, the ‘Dogs were as strong as ever.

Bunnell eased through the first two games of the match, 15-4 and 15-6, before Newtown started to make it tough. The Lady Bulldogs, however, were able to sweep the match with a tight, 15-13 decision in Game 3.

The Lady Nighthawks ended the season 7-11.

Amanda Marsilio had nine kills to lead the Lady Nighthawks while Chrissy DeWeese and Ally Gellert combined for 14 service points. Jen Hovan led Bunnell with 26 assists and six digs on the evening.

In other quarter-final action, No. 2 seed Foran swept No. 7 seed Bethel, 3-0, while No. 3 seed New Fairfield blanked No. 6 seed Brookfield, 3-0. No. 4 seed Jonathan_Law edged No. 5 seed Masuk, 3-1.

Bunnell went on to nip Jonathan_Law, 3-2, while Foran swept through New Fairfield, 3-0, setting up the ultimate Thursday championship match between Foran (18-2) and Bunnell (19-1).