Newtown High School's girls' basketball team began the season with a 57-34 victory over Danbury, at Pomperaug High in Southbury, in the December 11 SWC-FCIAC Challenge tournament opener.

Nicki DaPra droppd in 16 points, Rylee Mulligan and Amy Sapenter both scored 11, and Cyleigh Wilson added nine - on a trio of 3-pointers - for the Nighthawks. Jackie Matthews had four, and Cailin Wilson dropped in three.

Mulligan had eight assists and five rebounds, DaPra pulled down nine rebounds, and Sapenter had five steals.

The Nighthawks built a 28-13 halftime lead and were ahead 34-24 heading into the fourth. They outscored the Hatters 23-10 in the final stanza.