Having been edged 2-1 by Weston in the regular season, Newtown High School’s girls’ soccer team headed on the road for a playoff rematch with the Trojans on an October 28 afternoon. The Nighthawks, seeded sixth, turned the tables on the Trojans, seeded third, and posted a 2-0 win to advance to the semifinals.

Sydney Oltran and Ella Morits both scored and Oltran and Brooke Jackson had assists. Weston controlled the early play before a back-and-forth finish to a scoreless opening half. Newtown struck in the opening couple minutes out of the break when Morits one-timed a cross from Oltran.

Jackson played the ball to Oltran, through the back line, as the Hawks beat the offside trap. Oltran dribbled past the opposing goalkeeper and scored the insurance marker.

Nighthawk goalkeeper Grace Newsom earned the shutout with help from back-liners Ana Morris, Aashini Shetty, Maddy Gioele, and Hannah Stowe. Izzy Caron and Kenzie Del Pozo each put in a great game from their midfield positions.

The Nighthawks earned a trip to No. 2 Brookfield on October 30; the Bobcats had beaten NHS 3-1 during the regular season, and advanced with a 3-0 win over Newtown in the playoff contest. Brookfield cashed in on a penalty kick in the first two minutes. The Bobcats fended off a pair of solid Newtown opportunities in the first half and pulled away. NHS goalkeeper Grace Newsom had a strong showing with multiple saves and captains Ella Morits, Izzy Caron, and Kenzie Del Pozo put in a great effort in the loss, Coach Adam Bourret said.

NHS will look to bounce back in the upcoming state playoffs.

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