Newtown High School’s girls’ lacrosse team shook off a tough 12-11 overtime setback to visiting New Fairfield on April 18 with an 18-1 win over visiting Immaculate of Danbury on April 20, then edged host Joel Barlow of Redding 7-6 on April 23.

Against New Fairfield, Summer Harrell recorded four goals and six draw controls, and two assists; Jules Battaglia had three goals; and Natalie Mclean, Brooke Bulkley, Jen Socci, and Ava Mitchell all netted goals. McLean recorded four draw controls and had two assists and Brooke Bulkley had three draw controls to go along with an assist. Goaltender Alexa Manfredonia made ten saves.

In the win over Immaculate, Bulkley had four goals and McLean scored three. Battaglia logged two goals and an assist, Nicki Kaplan scored twice, Reese Lischuk scored one and had two assists, and Harrell had an assist. Casey Schnitzler, Mitchell, Rachael Albrecht, Gabby O’Sullivan, Blake Heim-Sherwood, and Sara Ruddy all scored a goal.

Newtown jumped out to a quick three-goal lead and held off Barlow. Mitchell scored three times, Battaglia, Bulkley, and Socci each had a goal and an assist, and McLean added a goal.

“Barlow is a great defensive team and in conference rival and it was truly a defensive battle,” said Co-Coach Steph Suhoza, who added that possession was critical in this matchup. “Our defense came up with a number of turnovers that helped us secure the Win — led by Abby Ihelfeld, Mo Murphy, Kayla Locke and Ella Macey. Alexa had five saves.”

Socci had the winning goal as the Hawks held on with a defensive stand after a Barlow draw circle win.

The Hawks, after hosting FCIAC opponent Ridgefield on Thursday get back to South-West Conference action with a Tuesday, April 30, visit to Pomperaug of Southbury at 7 pm. Bunnell-Stratford visit NHS Friday, May 3 at 6:30 pm.

Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.