NEW MILFORD — Top-seeded Newtown High School fell 7-4 to second-seeded Joel Barlow of Redding in the South-West Conference championship game, at neutral site New Milford High, on May 27.

It was a back and forth first half that featured three ties, and the contest was even 3-3 at the half. Barlow scored three straight goals in the second half and kept Newtown off the scoreboard until defender Shea Murphy moved up to attack and scored to make it a 6-4 game, off a nice assist by Jules Battaglia, with just 4:47 to play.

The Falcons, however, responded just 1:09 later and, when all was said and done, avenged a 6-5 regular-season defeat to the Hawks.

Newtown goaltender Alexa Manfredonia made eight saves. Izzy Butler, Gia Corso, and Summer Harrell scored for the Nighthawks. Bella Gerace had an assist and a trio of draw controls for the Hawks.

The Nighthawks will try to bounce back in the Class LL state tournament on Tuesday, June 1. NHS is the second seed in the bracket and will host either No. 15 Greenwich or No. 18 Hamden. Game time is set for 5 pm and is subject to change. Read more about the SWC championship tilt and that state playoff opener in the June 4 print edition of The Bee.

Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.