Following a 7-0 victory over visiting Stratford at Treadwell Park on October 1 — the third such blowout by that same score for Newtown High School's girls' soccer team — the Nighthawks embarked on what Coach Adam Bourret said will be his lineup's toughest stretch of the season.

The Nighthawks hosted nonconference foe — and long-ago South-West Conference member — Lauralton Hall of Milford and finished in a 1-1 tie at Blue & Gold Stadium on October 3, the team's second 1-1 deadlock this fall. Then came a visit to Notre Dame Prep of Fairfield, for a rematch of last season's SWC title game, on October 5. This tough game grouping concluded with a Thursday night visit from New Fairfield. The Hawks won 2-0 (check out the October 16 edition of The Bee for coverage).

"We'll find out who we are at the end of it," Bourret said of this trio of games. "It will prepare us for competitive matches down the road. It's coming soon — it's really close," added the coach, referring to the conference and state playoffs, which get going in late October.

In the Stratford game, Newtown used a combination of starters and reserves and coasted. The Nighthawks led 4-0 at halftime. Delia Stango scored twice, Sia Verma had a goal and an assist, AJ Mascaro hit the back of the net, and Makenzie Fregoe earned an assist. In the second half, Olivia Fernandes finished a chance created by Stango, Verma netted her second of the game, and Amelia Bossio-Dotolo scored.

Newtown similarly handled New Milford and Immaculate of Danbury, and the objective against an over-matched Stratford team was simply to get to the final whistle and focus on those next few games.

"The whole goal was to come out of here healthy and get ready for the toughest stretch of the year," Bourret said.

The Lauralton Hall matchup provided a good playoff-like test. Bourret was pleased with his team's solid defensive effort against a strong opponent. The Hawks were led by Sara Ruddy, Gianna Mascaro, Ana Morris, Sadie Singlak, Fernandes, and Addison Kopp.

Lauralton Hall scored off a quick counterattack in the first half. Newtown tied the game with Mascaro delivering a free kick headed home powerfully by Fregoe from ten yards out. The Hawks held on to secure the tie and nearly got the win. Stango had a last-second attempt that went just wide.

The Nighthawks were 5-2-2 heading into the ND matchup and came away empty-handed, but it was a close one, a 1-0 setback. This title game rematch was super competitive; the Nighthawks hit the post in the first half and also had a breakaway opportunity. It remained scoreless for much of the game, but the Lancers scored on a tap-in off a free kick with 17 minutes left.

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