Visiting Masuk High School implemented a traditionally score-squelching (or at least score-limiting) zone defense, but Newtown’s girls’ lacrosse team was up to the task — and then some — on the way to a 15-8 victory at Blue & Gold Stadium on April 11.

“I have a pretty dynamic offense this year,” said Newtown Coach Maura Fletcher, whose squad compiled 31 goals in two games to begin the slate following a 16-1 thumping of host New Milford in the April 6 season opener. Bella Gerace had six goals and three assists and Jules Battaglia notched three goals and two assists against New Milford.

Then came a bigger South-West Conference test against the Masuk Panthers.

“It was a very physical game today,” Fletcher said following the second contest of the year, one that saw Newtown overcome a tough defense and strong goaltender Sophia Clark (who made a dozen saves) behind a selfless, pass-happy offense.

“They’re so generous with the ball — they really share the ball,” said Fletcher, adding that standout Summer Harrell (five goals in the win over Masuk) draws a lot of attention from opposing defenses, opening the door for teammates to get involved.

Brooke Bulkley also netted five goals, Ava Mitchell scored twice, and Natalie McLean, Gerace, and Jen Socci all scored in the victory over the Panthers. Mitchell, Harrell, Gerace, Battaglia, and Abby Ihlefeld all contributed with assists.

The Nighthawks jumped out to a 3-0 lead and were clinging to a 5-3 advantage midway through the second half before taking control of the game. After surrendering Masuk’s third tally, the Hawks limited the Panthers to just one goal in the final 12:56 of the opening half. Harrell’s third goal came just 45 seconds after Masuk’s third, and sparked a 4-0 Nighthawk run.

Newtown answered Masuk’s late goal with picture-perfect passing play off a stoppage. Battaglia made a back-door feed to Mitchell, who converted with just one second left on the clock. It was 10-4 Hawks heading to the break.

Bulkley scored, assisted by Gerace, just 1:05 into the second half, but Masuk did not let the game slip away, limiting Newtown to one goal — an unassisted net-finder by Socci — over the course of the next 12-plus minutes. The Panthers were somewhat hanging around at 12-7 a bit past the midpoint of the second half when Bulkley found the net again to put the momentum back on Newtown’s side.

Harrell had five draw controls to go along with two interceptions, Allie Bradley recorded five draw controls, Socci logged two interceptions, Gerace had three ground ball scoops, and Rachael Albrecht, Bulkley, and McLean each had two ground ball pickups. Goaltender Alexa Manfredonia made nine saves, six of which came in the opening half as Newtown built its lead.

Overall, Newtown has a fairly young team following the graduation of six starters; the Hawks have just two senior starters to go along with four juniors and about half the starting lineup comprises sophomores and freshmen. Defensively, the Nighthawks are young and inexperienced, and are learning as the season starts to unfold.

The Hawks will visit Cheshire for a nonconference clash Friday, April 14 at noon. The Hawks are off until a Thursday, April 20, trek to Weston for a 5:30 pm showdown with last year’s conference runners-up. The Nighthawks return home to face Bethel Saturday, April 22 when the Wildcats come to Blue & Gold Stadium at 4 pm.

As the season plays out, the Hawks will face more of their SWC rivals, including defending SWC champion and Class S State Tournament champ New Fairfield. Newtown has several potentially challenging out-of-conference matchups with Conard, St Joseph of Trumbull, Glastonbury, and Fairfield Ludlowe all on the slate. St Joseph was runner-up in the Class M State Tournament last spring. Conard, Ludlowe, Glastonbury, and Cheshire were all Class L playoff qualifiers a year ago.

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