By Kim J. Harmon

WASHINGTON – In a campaign tempered by some disappointments, a victory over unbeaten Shepaug would be one heck of a way for the Newtown High School field hockey team to end the 2001 season.

But Shepaug didn’t put together a 13-0-1 record using smoke and mirrors. The perennial CIAC Class S powerhouse proved to be too much of a challenge for the Nighthawks, who suffered a 3-0 loss in Washington.

The loss dropped the ‘Hawks to 3-10-3.

But they gave it a good effort on Tuesday afternoon. Elissa Boushell nearly got the ‘Hawks on the board real early in the first half with a shot that forced Shepaug goalie Hannah Shalett to make a sprawling stick save. Later, Katie Lahey beat the Spartan defense and had a one-on-one opportunity against Shalett, but could only manage to jam the ball against Shalett’s pads.

The ‘Hawks were beaten twice in the first half and once in the second half. On each occasion, Newtown goaltender Heather Morgan made strong saves – only to be victimized by a persistent Shepaug offense.

Last week, the ‘Hawks secured their third win of the season by a count of 3-1 over New Fairfield. It was their biggest offensive output of the season. Boushell scored two goals off assists from Kathleen Scharf and Morgan Pacheco while Rachel Bolmer scored off an assist by Mary Bell.

All three goals came in the first half.

Newtown outshot New Fairfield, 11-6.