Newtown High School’s softball team wrapped up the top seed in the upcoming South-West Conference playoffs by blanking host Masuk of Monroe 9-0, on May 18. The Newtown baseball team, meanwhile, dropped a 2-1 extra inning battle with Masuk that lasted nine innings, the same afternoon. The baseball team’s playoff seeding had yet to be determined.

The NHS boys’ lacrosse team hosted Joel Barlow of Redding, on Senior Night, May 18, and fell 10-8. The Nighthawks had a chance to lock up the top seed and a first-round bye in the conference’s Division I tourney. Instead, they dropped to fourth in the standings and will have to play a quarterfinal round clash on May 21.

Newtown’s girls’ lacrosse squad, hoping to earn the sixth and final spot in the conference tourney, will have to wait to see if Weston can defeat Bethel on May 19, which would push the Hawks into the playoffs.

In tennis play, the SWC semifinals took place on May 18. The Newtown girls hosted Weston and were beaten 7-0, and the boys went to Pomperaug of Southbury, and fell 5-2.

Some of the highlights from action on May 18:

Pitcher Lauren Wilcox struck out eight batters and allowed just three hits for the softball team. Mikayla Kuligowski had three hits; Sara Kennedy had four hits, including a triple, and drove in a trio of runs; Katie Laaksonen drove in two runs; and Emily Woznick had three hits and a pair of runs batted in.

On the baseball diamond, Newtown starter Jason Hebner pitched into the ninth inning and drove in Newtown’s only run before Masuk scored on a fielder’s choice to win the game. David Matthews was tagged out at home plate trying to score on a tag up play, which would have broken the tie, in the sixth inning. Matthews, playing first, and center fielder Jaret DeVellis both made great diving plays in the game.

The NHS laxmen got two goals each from Deegan Beauchemin and Jared Pearson, and Pearson added two assists in the setback to Barlow.

Read more about these games in the May 22 print edition of The Bee, and check back on the sports webpage for updates on the playoff picture, including games dates and times, as well as opponents.