Newtown High School's boys' lacrosse team hosted defending South-West Conference Champion New Fairfield on April 23 and lost 8-4. The Nighthawks bounced back with a 14-5 win at Avon on April 25, then won 17-4 at Stamford on April 28.

The New Fairfield clash was tight at the half, with the Rebels holding a 3-2 edge; Newtown's first-half goals were scored by Cole Stockwell and Nate Pickard. The teams traded goals in the third quarter with New Fairfield claiming a 4-2 lead, Pickard scoring his second of three goals during the night to pull the Nighthawks back to within one, and the Rebels responding to carry a 5-3 lead into the fourth.

The lead grew to 3-3 behind a trio of Rebel tallies and strong goaltending by Tristan Cunningham, who made several tough saves to keep the Hawks from keeping within reach as time ran off in the final quarter.

"Their goalie was a difference-maker. They're well-coached, they're athletic, and they're tough," NHS Coach Tony Fitti said. "That's a team that we're trying to get over the hump with. Hopefully we see them again at some point down the line."

That would be in the SWC Tournament. The Newtown coach liked the effort his team put in throughout this matchup.

"We worked hard — effort was there," Fitti said.

The Nighthawks, after a visit to Joel Barlow of Redding Thursday, will host Bethel Saturday, May 2 at 7 pm.

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