Members of Newtown High School’s field hockey team went into its game against host Joel Barlow, on October 10, with reason to feel pretty good about themselves. The Nighthawks, coming off a 2-0 blanking of visiting Brookfield the day before, had five wins and a tie under their belts in eight games. The Barlow Falcons, unbeaten to this point, managed to maintain its unscathed ways, but it took overtime to get it done — in a 1-0 edging of the Hawks — providing even more confidence for Newtown’s squad, which stands at 5-2-1-1 (wins, losses, ties, overtime losses).

“I think that tonight our team saw how much potential they have,” Newtown Coach Stephanie Paproski said.

“The fact we lost to them in overtime and we held our own the whole game is a confidence booster,” said Newtown goaltender Natalie Shaker, who played a key role in her team earning a point.

Shaker made eight saves during the 11-on-11 hour of regulation, then came up with a game-saving kick-away of a Barlow chance in overtime.

 Barlow’s Emma Coppock ended the game with a high shot 5:30 into the ten-minute 7-on-7 extra period.

Newtown’s goalie had no reason to hang her head, after making so many big stops to keep her team in the game. “It was a good goal,” she acknowledged.

 And a good point against a Barlow team that left the field with a 9-0-1 record.

“They’re undefeated and I’m really proud of my team, especially my defense for keeping them off me for most of the game,” said Shaker said, referring to her back line of Kayla DiSibio, Katie Cappelli, and Megan Goyda.

Paproski was pleased with how her goaltender was vocal, communicating with her defenders, as well how aggressively she played.

“She stepped out, went to every single ball, and had some big clears,” Newtown’s coach said.

Shaker said it was tough being in these nail-biting contest. “It was very nerve-racking —especially because it was sudden death,” Shaker said. “You’re on edge.”

She received plenty of praise not only from Paproski, but also Barlow Coach Connie Chapin. “Their goalie was outstanding today,” Chapin said.

 Chapin, a longtime coach and referee of the game, noted that Newtown is well-coached, possesses strong stick skills, and doesn’t commit fouls. “I think it was a great game today. It’s a pleasure to play a team that plays pure field hockey,” the Barlow coach added.

The only thing that could have made this game better for the Nighthawks — naturally — was a win, but they’ll have another chance against the Falcons.

“We got ’em into overtime, and we see them again on Senior Night, so hopefully we can play like we did tonight,” said Paproski, referring to a battle at Blue & Gold Stadium in the regular-season finale, set for Tuesday, October 27, beginning at 7 pm.

The Hawks have six games before that rematch, including a Tuesday, October 13, visit to New Fairfield, beginning at 5:30 pm, and a Wednesday, October 14, home matchup with Lauralton Hall of Milford, under the lights at Blue & Gold Stadium, starting at 7 o’clock.

Wednesday’s game is Newtown’s Play4TheCure game to raise funds for the National Foundation for Cancer Research.

In Newtown’s previous game, a 2-0 win over visiting Brookfield, at Blue & Gold Stadium the day before, Alison Kelleher, assisted by Lauren Zimmerman, and Emily Dirga, had goals for the Nighthawks. In all five of Newtown’s wins, the Hawks have blanked the opposition.