Newtown High School’s girls’ soccer team picked up its first win of the season, in shutout fashion, as the Nighthawks defeated host Bunnell of Stratford 3-0 on September 12.

The Nighthawks were coming off a trio of losses in closely-contested games. Following a 3-1 setback to Pomperaug of Southbury on September 5 the Hawks lost a pair of 1-0 nail-biters to Fairfield Ludlowe (an FCIAC team) on September 7 and Brookfield on September 10. All of these games were on the road to begin the slate, with each opponent, other than Ludlowe, a South-West Conference foe.

“We were definitely unlucky in our first two league games, and did our best against a high-quality Fairfield Ludlowe team,” Newtown Coach Adam Bourret said. “We knew we needed a result against Bunnell.”

Against Bunnell, Blake Heim scored within the first three minutes as she was put in on a breakaway by a glancing header from Lola Kessler. Heim then returned the favor a few minutes later as she squared a pass across the 18 yard box that was smashed in near post by Kessler. Heim was on the receiving end of a ball chipped in over the backline by Brooke Jackson, for her second tally.

The defense held strong, limiting the Bunnell chances as Maddy Gioiele, Aashni Shetty, Ana Morris, Jamie Rowan, and Taylor LeRow helped goalkeeper Grace Newsom earn her first clean sheet of the season in goal.

Bourret said the team would look to build on this momentum as they finally got a chance to play at home beginning with a September 17 visit from SWC rival Weston. Newtown struck first when Jackson sent the ball from the middle to the right side where Leah Morris took possession, made a run, and deposited a low shot to the far side of the net in the opening half. Weston got the equalizer in the second half and the teams ended in a 1-1 tie.

"As a squad we are pleased with the progress we've made and are happy to almost be at full strength," Newtown's coach said.

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