The Masuk High-led co-op girls' hockey team, which includes first-year Newtown players Sarah Hornby and Bridget Nicholson, picked up its first varsity win, with a wild 12-9 triumph over the Trumbull-St Joseph team, at The Rinks at Shelton, on December 16.

The Panthers, who had previously skated at the club and junior varsity levels, built a 4-0 lead and fended off the Eagles, who closed to within a goal four times, including a trio of times in the third period.

"It was so cool to have our first varsity win," said Hornby, adding that the team could have played better, but noted "We still pushed through and got our first win of the season."

The Panthers, who include players from Joel Barlow of Redding, improved to 1-1, coming off a season-opening 6-0 loss to West Haven-Sacred Heart Academy, on December 13.

Catie Boudiette had five goals and two assists, Niki Wallin scored twice and added an assist, Erin Webdale scored twice and had a pair of helpers, Nikita Licudine scored twice, and Sarah Witherbee added a goal and an assist in the triumph.

The theme of this win was quick responses. Trailing 7-5 to begin the third period, the Eagles closed to within a goal only 33 seconds into the stanza, only to see the Panthers respond with a tally just 2:02 into the period.

Back and forth the teams went. The Panthers answered the next two Trumbull goals 59 and 32 seconds later, before finally taking a three-goal lead in the final minutes.

"It's nice to get a win. This wasn't our best game. We could have played a lot better but, at the end of the day, they found a way to get the W," Coach Andy Townsend said.