By Kim J. Harmon

MONROE – After going 5-1 in the six matches smack dab in the middle of the schedule, the Newtown High School volleyball team had boosted its record to 7-4 overall, 7-2 in the South-West Conference, and it looked as if the sky was the limit.

But things have gotten considerably more difficult for the Nighthawks, who hope to qualify for the SWC and CIAC state tournaments. But losses to Kolbe-Cathedral (3-2) and Masuk (3-1) – which dropped the ‘Hawks to 7-6 overall – and an upcoming schedule that features Jonathan Law, Bethel, Foran and Lauralton Hall have put a bit of a crimp in those plans.

The ‘Hawks were riding some pretty good karma when they traveled to Bridgeport on Friday to battle Kolbe-Cathedral. The ‘Hawks were on a two-game winning streak and had won five of their six previous matches.

But Kolbe put a stop to it – still, it wasn’t all that easy. Despite taking a 2-0 lead on the Nighthawks, Kolbe had to hold Newtown off in an epic, five-game match 15-13, 15-5, 12-15, 10-15, 15-13.

Melissa Fidalgo did most of the damage for Kolbe with nine service points, 10 kills and 14 blocks. Morgan Williamson added 10 kills and 12 blocks.

The ‘Hawks then had to face off with a strong Masuk team which bad built up an 11-2 overall record, 8-2 in the SWC. The ‘Hawks did take a 1-0 lead in this one, but dropped a 3-1 decision by a 9-15, 15-10, 15-7, 15-8 count.

Caitlin McCabe was strong at the net for the Pantherettes with 10 blocks. Ally Gellert had six kills and seven digs for Newtown while Stephanie Logan had five kills and five blocks.

In an effort to knock themselves out of their funk (and also because of Career Day event at the high school), the ‘Hawks practiced Tuesday afternoon at the Woodbridge Sports Center near Amity.

Maybe it brings them out of their doldrums.

The ‘Hawks traveled to Jonathan Law on Wednesday (after press time) and will host Bethel on Friday, October 19, in a 7 pm match. The ‘Hawks will then move on to Foran on Monday, October 22, before hosting Lauralton Hall on Wednesday, October, in the finale of the regular season.

The SWC playoffs are schedule to behind Friday or Saturday, October 26 or 27.