Newtown High School’s field hockey team has had quite a season; unbeaten in the regular slate, the Nighthawks were dominant in doing so. They tallied 92 goals, while allowing 15 through the regular season and South-West Conference tournament.

Russ Davey, who coaches the goaltenders on the team, sums up Newtown’s formula for success: “His favorite quote is ‘a great defense is a great offense,’” said Shannon Paproski, who head coaches the team along with her sister, Stephanie Kearns.

The Nighthawks shut down the opposition with a combination of solid defense as well as goaltending by Gigi Marino and Rebecca Filiato and keeping the ball away from opposing offensive players by maintaining possession with crisp passes, stick-handling, and scoring.

Newtown has averaged a bit more than five goals per game.

“They love to score — it’s something they love to do. They’re not going to shut that down,” Davey said.

Katie Goyda, Izzy Butler, and Kat Trammel have accounted for a bulk of the Nighthawk scoring, but others have stepped up to put the ball in the cage.

“It’s not just our forward line. Our midfielders and forwards are very motivated to score,” Paproski said. “It’s definitely a solid group effort.”

“When we come together we’re a great team,” said Aniko Walsh, one of the seniors who has led the way throughout the campaign.

Kearns credits the seniors — Walsh, Trammel, Camryn Griffin, Abby Tainter-Gilbert, Katie Dirga, Olivia Steare, Meghan O’Rourke, Kelsey Pearson, Jenna Reilly, and Marino — for playing a big role in the team’s success.

“I think they’re all such great motivators and leaders on the team. They all contribute to the team no matter where they are — games, practices, on and off the field,” Kearns said.

The underclassmen and upperclassmen alike have contributed significantly to the team’s success, which has been about more than simply wins.

“It’s the strongest group I’ve seen. They’re a pleasure to coach,” Paproski said.

Newtown, which reached the SWC semifinals before losing 2-1 in double overtime to New Milford, will begin state tournament action on Wednesday, November 13.