A pair of 7-0 victories over host Kolbe Cathedral on October 5 and visiting Stratford on October 8 were the proverbial calm before the storm. After having their way with two of the weakest South-West Conference foes, Newtown High School’s girls’ soccer team heads into what stands to be an ultra-challenging finish to the regular slate.

The Nighthawks finish up with Bethel, Masuk of Monroe, and Notre Dame-Fairfield — which along with a Brookfield team that defeated NHS 1-0 twice this fall — are the only ones ahead of Newtown in the SWC standings. Newtown (6-2-2 in conference play) has 20 points and sits in fifth place, ahead of Pomperaug of Southbury only via the tiebreaker, just a point behind Masuk, and still somewhat within striking distance of first-place Notre Dame (25), second-place Bethel (23), and third-place Brookfield (23). If nothing else, the Nighthawks would like to secure one of the top four spots for a conference tournament quarterfinal-round home game on October 22, and also tune up for the postseason.

Newtown will host Bethel Thursday, October 10 at Treadwell Park at 4 pm. NHS will host Masuk Tuesday, October 15 at 6 pm before going to Notre Dame Thursday, October 17, also at 6. After those pivotal regular-season conference clashes comes the season finale at Suffield Saturday, October 19 at 1 pm. Suffield is unbeaten and top-ranked in Class L.

This stretch run is a precursor of things to come with one game apparently more challenging than the next; theoretically that is how the postseason plays out with each round becoming more and more challenging as things unfold.

“It’s a good lead-in to that,” said Newtown Coach Adam Bourret, adding that these contests should help prepare the Nighthawks for the playoff challenges ahead.

The lopsided wins heading into this tough block of games allowed for some of the team members who get less playing time to see game action and also for defenders to push up and contribute on offense.

Additionally, “it was an opportunity to keep some players fresh,” said Bourret, who will need maximum effort from his regulars in these season-ending matchups.

Against Kolbe Ana Morris scored twice, Addie O’Leary had a goal and an assist, Brooke Jackson scored and added two assists, and Jamie Rowan, Maddy Gioele, and Taylor LeRow found the back of the net. Lyla Kopp, Lola Kessler, Blake Heim-Sherwood, and Brooke Bulkley had assists.

In the win over Stratford Morris again netted two and O’Leary, Bulkley, Sadie Singlak, Heim-Sherwood, and Aashni Shetty scored. Jackson logged three assists and Eren Weiss and Kopp also set up goals.

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