Newtown High School’s girls’ tennis team advanced in Class L state tournament play, and the boys’ squad began Class LL tourney action, on May 30. The girls’ team, seeded 15th, edged No. 18 Simsbury 4-3 in the qualifying round, at Newtown High.

With the win, the Nighthawks earn a trip to second-seeded and defending champion Fairfield Ludlowe in the first round, on June 1, beginning at 3 pm. No. 1 singles player Lauren Beier defeated Melissa Gino 7-5, 6-1; No. 2 player Aimee Alexander topped Emma Buckle 6-2, 6-2; and No. 4 player Amanda Berry beat Zoe Wallert 6-0, 6-2. In doubles action, the No. 2 tandem of Lindsay O’Donnell and Emily McCoy defeated Claire Alix and Liza Rice 6-3, 6-3.

The boys’ tournament, at Hall High in West Hartford, features singles and doubles brackets, and four of Newtown’s singles players and two NHS doubles teams were in action on May 30. Keaton McCleary won first- and second-round matches; Joey Conrod came out on top in the first round and fell in the second round; Matt Carino won in the opening round before losing in the first round; and Peter Winans was beaten in the opening round. Doubles players Mike Dutsar and Justin Oelberg won a first-round match and lost in the second round; and the tandem of Jordan Klein and Grant Larson lost in the first round. Boys’ tournament play continues on May 31.