It has been a strong spring for the Newtown High School boys' lacrosse team. The Nighthawks went on to earn the No 4 seed and a quarterfinal-round home game in the South-West Conference Tournament and advanced to face defending SWC champ and No 1 seed New Fairfield in the semis on the road Thursday, May 21 at 6 pm.

The Nighthawks went 12-4 in the regular slate, then defeated No 5 New Milford 18-7 in the quarters at Blue & Gold Stadium on May 18. The Nighthawks jumped out to a commanding 15-2 lead at the half and carried an 18-3 lead into the fourth quarter.

Nate Pickard and Nick Stockwell both had three goals and two assists, Marcus Gerace netted three and assisted on another, Luke Stewart registered two goals and two assists, Graham Spencer and Jack Meade both scored and added a helper, and Billy Massett, Kyle June, Luke Gagnon, C.J. Manfredonia, and Cole Stockwell all added tallies in the playoff-opening win.

The Hawks were coming off an 11-4 win at Trumbull in the May 16 regular-season finale. Pickard scored a hat trick, Stewart assisted on three, and Gerace, Spencer, and Nick Stockwell all scored twice to lead the offense.

Regardless of the SWC tourney outcome, the Hawks will have more lacrosse to play with the state playoffs just around the corner. It has been an enjoyable, successful slate, giving the team confidence it can make some noise as the postseason continues to unfold.

"They're a skilled group so that helps, but it's hard to win just on skill," said NHS Coach Tony Fitti, adding that the players have bought into the coaching and team's culture of "working hard, staying in the moment — not looking too far ahead."

Fitti added that the leadership of his seniors has helped carry the team.

"The seniors are rock-solid. They set the tone for us — they set the tone for the team. I'm lucky to be able to coach them every day," he added.

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