The host Newtown High School softball team got South-West Conference play going on the right foot with a 13-1 win over Pomperaug of Southbury in a game shortened an inning by the mercy rule on April 21.

This game appeared headed to being a blowout out of the gate with the Nighthawks scratching out four runs in the first inning and starting pitcher Maddie Thoesen settling in nicely. It remained 4-0, however, until the Nighthawks tacked on a run in the fifth. It was 5-1 Newtown going to the last of the sixth when the offensive flood gates opened to the tune of eight runs.

Among the batter’s box highlights was freshman Reagan Schenzer hitting her first high school home run; she collected two hits, three runs batted in, and scored three times. Schenzer had hit the ball well from the get-go and it was only a matter of time before one of her drives cleared the fence.

“It’s been a moment we all knew would come and we’re happy for her that she finally got it under her belt,” Newtown Coach Megan Goyda said.

Schenzer, who has played in the outfield since opening day has taken over catching duties with starting backstop Sophia Caruso sidelined due to an injury. Battery mate Thoesen was stellar both in pitcher’s circle and at the plate with two hits and three RBI of her own.

Newtown had gone a week between games and almost two weeks since a season-opening win over Trumbull; the Hawks had lost three in a row.

“These are must-win games for us. The girls know the end goal and today was the first step in accomplishing that — winning SWCs. I was impressed with our defense today. We kept it clean and got it done. I’m also proud of our offense. We scored first for the first time this year and maintained the lead. We also made key adjustments at the plate and were very patient and focused on quality pitch selection,” Coach Megan Goyda said. “I think it was a great way to bounce back from a tough week last week and a great start to an important SWC week ahead.”

Schenzer and Gabby Ansman each doubled and Thoesen, Schenzer, Gillian Boughan, and Evelyn Schoen all had two hits. Addy Cordova had a hit, RBI, and two runs scored; Evelyn Schoen collected two hits, drove in a run, and scored another; and Lila Accousti, Boughan, Ansman, and Elena Burdo all contributed to the offense which collected ten hits and worked six walks.

Thoesen pitched five and two thirds innings, allowing just two hits, two walks, and striking out six.

“Maddie was great today. She was incredibly efficient and focused a lot on her spins. She was dialed in and simply dominated — it was an awesome showing by her today,” Goyda said.

Rheya Litke tossed two innings of relief, allowing one run on four walks, and not surrendering a hit.

Newtown's week also includes visits to Bethel and Joel Barlow of Redding.

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