Newtown High School's field hockey team gave everything it had but for the first time this season couldn't break through with a goal in a 1-0 decision against Norwalk in the Class L state tournament quarterfinals, at Blue & Gold Stadium, on November 15.

The ninth-seeded Bears ended a stellar season for the top-seeded Nighthawks, who went unbeaten in the regular slate and rarely had trouble scoring goals.

Adriana Alfisi scored in the first half and the goal stood up thanks to a combination of strong Norwalk defense and offense which generated 13 penalty corners, nine in the second half.

Nighthawk goaltender Gigi Marino and defenders Camryn Griffin, Meghan O'Rourke, and Kelsey Pearson were among those to keep the game close throughout.

The Hawks mustered some second half chances as Katie Dirga created an opportunity at the mid-point of the half, Aniko Walsh stick-handled to set up a chance with less than ten minutes to go, and Reagan Schoen centered from the right side to give Newtown a threat that was turned aside with just over two minutes to play. Shannon Kelleher's midfield interception of a Norwalk clearing attempt with about 20 seconds left gave Newtown one more chance but the Hawks were stymied again.

The Bears are a deceptive ninth seed out of the tough FCIAC, losing just three times — to Class L quarterfinalists New Canaan and Staples, the winner of which the Bears will play in the semis, along with semifinalist Darien. Norwalk beat the semifinalist, Ridgefield, in overtime during the regular season.

Read more about Newtown's run to the state quarterfinals in the November 22 print edition of The Bee.