If this year’s Nighthawk junior varsity soccer team could use one word to sum up their season it would undoubtedly be “perseverance.”

Despite only having 11 girls on their roster – the minimum number needed to field a team – the girls put up a winning 8-5 record. Combine this with the fact that all 11 players were freshmen, and their fall season seems even more impressive.

“The girls had a great year and really did persevere despite not always having a full squad each week,” noted coach Laura McLean. “I was especially happy with the way they improved game to game throughout the season.”

The year began with a loss to Masuk, as McLean and assistant coach Angela Giaquinto began learning their players’ strengths and skills and determining field positions. After that, however, the jayvees ripped off four straight wins, outscoring Lauralton Hall, Pomperaug, Brookfield and Joel Barlow by a combined 13-2.

Later wins in the season came over Brookfield again, Bethel (twice) and New Fairfield, as the team kept up their winning ways despite several injuries.

In fact, one of the highlights of the season may have come against Brookfield. Due to injuries, the ‘Hawks had to play most of the game with only eight players to Brookfield’s 11 and yet, despite this, Newtown still managed a 2-2 tie in regulation and ended up winning the game in a shootout.

As it turned out, the team won two games by shootouts after regulation, a tribute to their kicking accuracy and to the goalie play of Kim Allen. Allen had a fine season as keeper, recording three shutouts and holding the opponent to two goals or fewer in 10 of the team’s 13 games.

On the offensive front, the goal scoring was led by Caitlin Weber, Kaitlyn Fenton, Jessica Paynter, and Vanessa Gusti. Kelly Collier, Brittany Meier and Heidi Ekstrom controlled the key midfield position, cutting off the opposition when needed, and serving balls up to the front. On the defensive end of the ball, Erin O’Dell, Amy Doyle, Fenton and Kristen Landolfi consistently shut down the opponents’ attack.

The year ended last week on a high note with the victory against New Fairfield. For the year, the ‘Hawks outscored their opponents 36-38.

All in all, it was a challenging but very fun season for the junior varsity . . . and a season that indicates Newtown should expect to see more great things in the future from these girls.