The field hockey team at Newtown High School is gearing up for the South-West Conference Tournament and is determined to make a title run. Last year, they were upset as the No. 3 seed and fell in the quarterfinals, but this time they are the top seed in the SWC playoffs. The action kicks off on Thursday, October 26, with a quarterfinal match against Joel Barlow of Redding at Blue & Gold Stadium at 6 pm.
After a resounding 7-0 victory over Bethel on Senior Night, the Nighthawks faced a tough challenge against Immaculate of Danbury. The game was played in pouring rain at Treadwell Park on October 20, and it had to be squeezed in due to rainout rescheduling. Immaculate has only lost three times this season, each time by just one goal. However, Newtown managed to secure a 1-0 overtime win thanks to a goal from Rachael Albrecht just 43 seconds into extra time. Summer Harrell set up the winning play with some impressive stickwork.
Defensively, Jenna Lagan made two incredible saves behind goaltender Riley Alesevich, helping the Nighthawks achieve their seventh shutout of the season. Coach Megan Goyda praised Lagan as the unsung hero of the game.
In their victory over Bethel, the seniors on the team had a night to remember. Senior captain Summer Harrell led the way with a hat-trick and an assist, while senior captain Annika Bozentko also scored a goal. Senior captains Jules Battaglia and Alexa Manfredonia contributed with assists. Coach Goyda expressed her delight in being able to put the seniors in positions where they could contribute offensively.
Newtown’s final tune-up before the playoffs was against defending conference champion Pomperaug of Southbury. Pomperaug had only lost once this season, in overtime to New Milford. However, the Nighthawks dominated the game and secured a 3-0 victory. Ellenoire Schoen, Summer Harrell, and Brooke Bulkley were the goal scorers.
Coach Goyda was thrilled with the team’s performance and hopes they can carry the momentum and intensity into the playoffs. She believes that if they do, they will be unstoppable. The field hockey team at Newtown High School is definitely one to watch in the SWC playoffs.
For more sports news, you can reach out to Sports Editor Andy Hutchison at [email protected].