Girls’ Lacrosse Team Has Experience On Defense As Hawks Get Ready For Improving Foes
Keeping the ball out of the net is not an easy thing to do in girls’ lacrosse, where high scoring games are the norm.
Newtown High School’s lineup, however, features a wealth of experienced returning defenders, so the Nighthawks will look to keep opposing offenses under control as they battle in an increasingly-challenging South-West Conference.
“Our strength is in our defense,” Coach Maura Fletcher said.
Newtown went 11-5 last spring. The Hawks fell 6-4 to Joel Barlow of Redding in the South-West Conference tournament semifinals. The Hawks were the No. 8 seed in the Class L state playoffs and lost 6-5 to No. 9 Fairfield Ludlowe in the first round.
The Nighthawks dominated the SWC for years, but in recent seasons, the opponents have improved significantly. The toughest of the teams include Pomperaug of Southbury, Joel Barlow, and New Fairfield.
“It’s getting harder and harder. Teams are getting better and better in our conference,” Fletcher said.
The Nighthawks will look to get back into the postseason and contend for championships. As always, there are some tough out-of-conference games scheduled as the Hawks will face Glastonbury, Cheshire, Ridgefield, and Fairfield Warde, all top-ten teams in the state, Fletcher notes.
Captains are Lu Hage (attack), Keeley Kortze (midfield), Ali Kelleher (attack), and Kiera Sughrue (defense).
Goaltenders Tess Davenport, Catie Gregory, and Kat Trammel give the Nighthawks depth at the position — all are competing for playing time in the early going. Senior Erin Neff returns on attack. The defense includes Colleen Phaneuf and Emma Magazu. The midfield is anchored by Fairfield University-bound Rylee Harrell.
Newtown lost six starters to graduation and will have a young offense this spring. Just as much as the Nighthawks will lean on their defense, they will look for major contributions from newcomers and younger players.
“I’m really looking forward to it. We have a huge group of freshmen that is really talented,” Fletcher said.
The season gets going on Tuesday, April 2, when Joel Barlow of Redding visits Blue & Gold Stadium at 7 pm.
Newtown hosts New Milford on Thursday, April 4, also at 7 pm, before hitting the road.
Elena Sughrue, left, runs with the ball and is defended by Susan Socci. (Bee Photo, Hutchison)
Emily Hammond, left, is guarded by Colleen Phaneuf during practice at Treadwell Park. (Bee Photo, Hutchison)
Keeley Kortze makes a move with the ball during practice. (Bee Photo, Hutchison)
Lacrosse captains are, from left: Lu Hage, Keeley Kortze, Ali Kelleher, and Kiera Sughrue. (Bee Photo, Hutchison)
Rylee Harrell moves the ball toward the goal as the Nighthawks get ready for the regular season. (Bee Photo, Hutchison)