Coming into the season, Coach Maura Fletcher knew her mixed bag team of experienced starters and newcomers would be strong on offense. The Nighthawks continue to showcase their scoring prowess with double-digit goal production and lopsided triumphs over their South-West Conference foes.

Newtown went on the road and defeated Weston 18-8 on April 20 and pulled away early en route to a 17-4 triumph over visiting Bethel at Blue & Gold Stadium two days later. The Nighthawks then crushed host Brookfield 14-1 on April 25.

“We played well end to end in the Weston game,” Fletcher said.

Against Weston, Bella Gerace had a double hat-trick with six goals and Summer Harrell netted five goals; both players added a pair of assists. Jules Battaglia and Brooke Bulkley both scored twice and Jen Socci added a net-finder. Allie Bradley had seven draw controls, Gerace had five, and Harrell four. Gerace also had three groundball scoops for the Nighthawks. Goaltender Alexa Manfredonia made six saves.

In the Bethel game, Newtown was not at its best in 50-50 balls, the coach felt, adding that she would like to see the team move a bit faster on defense and for loose balls. “We’re always looking for improvement,” Fletcher said.

In the win over Bethel, Gerace had four goals and an assist and Harrell logged three goals and had four assists. Bulkley scored three times, Jules Battaglia notched two goals and one helper, Ava Mitchell and Natalie McLean both scored twice, and Socci hit the back of the net once.

Newtown’s draw control success was spread out among a bunch of players with Bradley, Battaglia, and Harrell all winning three, and Gerace winning a pair to lead the way. Gerace and Harrell had four and three ground balls, respectively.

Fletcher was pleased with the overall effort against Brookfield. The coach said the Newtown D was lights out, goaltending was great, and that Brookfield did not have an answer for Newtown’s explosive offense.

Harrell scored five times and had an assist and Gerace scored four goals. Mitchell and Battaglia both scored twice and Bulkley netted one. Harrell had five draw controls and Bradley had three. Manfredonia made 11 saves.

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