Sparked by first-half goals off the sticks of Lauren Zimmerman and Alison Kelleher, Newtown High School’s field hockey team edged visiting Lauralton Hall of Milford 2-1, in a game under the lights at Blue & Gold Stadium, on October 14.

In a reunion of former conference rivals, the South-West Conference’s Nighthawks handed the Southern Connecticut Conference’s Crusaders a loss, despite surrendering 19 shots toward the cage.

Newtown’s defense blocked many of Lauralton’s scoring attempts, and goaltender Natalie Shaker was there to make ten saves. Lauralton generated 17 penalty corners but couldn’t muster a goal until the final four minutes of the game.

Megan Goyda and Zimmerman earned assists in the win, as the Nighthawks handed the Crusaders just their second loss in 11 games, and improved to 7-2-1-1 (wins, losses, ties, overtime losses).

This was Newtown’s Play4TheCure game to raise funds for the National Foundation for Cancer Research, and players wore special pink uniforms. The Nighthawks helped raise $1,598, mostly at the game, with some of the funds coming through the team website.

Newtown, in its previous contest, blanked host New Fairfield 3-0, on October 13. Shannon Lynch, Emily Dirga, and Zimmerman scored in the triumph.

Also on October 13, both of Newtown High’s soccer teams earned victories. The boys visited Stratford and coasted to a 6-1 win as Elliot Bennett, Forrest Weatherby, Omar Rodriquez, James Carney, Thomas Leuci, and Jack Oltran all scored. Newtown dominated play in the opening half, earning nine corner kicks and seizing a 4-0 lead before the intermission. The Nighthawks won their fifth straight game and improved to 8-2-1.

The girls blanked visiting Stratford 1-0 on a goal scored by Nevan Gattey, assisted by Julia Sughrue. Katie Mossbarger had five saves for Newtown as the Nighthawks improved to 6-4-2.