The game appeared certain to be headed for overtime. Then, as the final seconds ticked away, Izzy Butler scored to send Newtown High School’s field hockey team to a thrilling 2-1 win over visiting Trumbull in the September 11 season opener at Blue & Gold Stadium. Summer Harrell assisted the tie-breaking tally.

Newtown broke the ice just 56 seconds into the fourth quarter when Morgan Melillo set up Regan Schoen on a penalty corner. Shoen’s shot bounced through defenders and made its way into the back of the cage.

Trumbull got the equalizer with 7:03 remaining to set the stage for Butler’s heroics.

Newtown Coach Ellen Goyda was pleased with the collective effort as the Nighthawks earned a win against a tough nonconference opponent to begin the campaign.

“I’m really just proud of everybody. It was a great FCIAC team and we didn’t give up — and that’s what I’m happy about,” Goyda said.

Newtown goaltender Cailyn Sullivan and the back line made things difficult on the Eagles throughout the matchup. Maddy Twitchell and Katelyn Zaniewski played solid defense, as did Erin Shah, who did a nice job marking Trumbull standout scorer Kayla Barbagallo, the coach noted. Harrell, a midfielder, was strong defensively and in supporting the forwards, Goyda added.

Despite the success, there is still plenty of work ahead of the Nighthawks.

“We’re a little out of shape. We’ve got some conditioning to do but I’m proud of them,” Goyda said.

Newtown will have some time to build its endurance with a week-plus period off from game play. The Hawks will be Monday, September 20, when Mamaroneck, N.Y. visits Blue & Gold for another potentially challenging test at 4:30 pm.

South-West Conference action begins on Wednesday, September 22, when NHS visits Masuk of Monroe at 6:30 pm.

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