Newtown High School’s boys’ lacrosse team pulled away late to defeat visiting South-West Conference foe Brookfield 10-6 at Blue & Gold Stadium on Senior Night, April 25. The Nighthawks improved to 4-5 overall.

The Nighthawks went ahead 7-5 on a goal late in the third quarter by Charlie Massett, assisted by Sam Steare, and did not relinquish the lead the rest of the way. After surrendering a goal with 17 seconds left in the third, Newtown shut out the Bobcats the rest of the way.

Fisher Stites whipped home a high shot during a player advantage, making it 8-6 with 8:17 left in the fourth quarter, and Stites cashed in again, from long range, making it 9-6 with 3:06 left. Steare, set up by Stites, capped the scoring only eight seconds later.

“That’s huge. That’s momentum — that’s confidence. It helps our guys believe they can get it done,” said Newtown Coach Tony Fitti, whose team had not been involved in close games this season.

“It feels good. Winning’s hard — in any capacity,” said Fitti, adding that the way in which his team finished things off by controlling possession and pulling away was impressive.

Colby Harrell had three goals, Stites and Marcus Gerace both netted a pair to lead the offense.

“We possessed the ball. We made smart decisions,” Fitti said of the key to Newtown seizing control late.

Goaltender Reilly Nydell made seven saves.

This was Senior Night and Aaron Frammel, Harrell, Nydell, Eli Williams, and Steare were honored.

The Nighthawks, who have battled injuries of late, blanked host Danbury of the FCIAC 16-0 on April 19, then got back to SWC action the next night when Weston visited and defeated Newtown 19-4 at Blue & Gold Stadium. The Nighthawks went to Bethel on April 22 and fell 14-7.

In the win over Danbury, Steare had three goals and four assists, Marty Dunn had a pair of goals and three assists, and Griffin Clemen, Kyle Ruddy, and Gerace all had a couple of goals.

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