Published: Apr 29, 2021 03:05 PM
FAIRFIELD — They say practice makes perfect. But in the case of Newtown High School’s boys’ lacrosse team, the saying should go something like, “No practice but still perfect defensively... three times.”
Newtown, because of coronavirus protocols, missed most of its preseason and ended up being short on more practice time last week in part because of a rescheduled, protocol-postponed game. The Nighthawks played four games in six days, culminating with an 18-0 triumph over the host Notre Dame-Fairfield Lancers on April 24.
Newtown Head Coach Scott Bulkley pointed to the efforts of Steven Groccia, who is a defensive coach for the Nighthawks, along with goaltender Jake Dandrea for leading the way in stymieing the opposition so thoroughly. In addition, there was an 8-1 victory at Brookfield to begin that four-in-six stretch of games.
Aside from those shutdown performances, the Nighthawks have shown progress but Bulkely continues to look for more as his team tries to get back up to speed in limited time.
“We are still playing catchup,” the coach said. “The kids are working hard every day. I just think they want to get better faster.”
The Notre Dame game — since the Lancers had only a few substitutes and were completely overmatched — gave the Nighthawks a chance to work on some of their repetitions as they prepare for upcoming competition. The lopsided game also afforded the opportunity for some game experience for substitutes, and ten Nighthawks scored in the victory.
The team’s leading scorer, Jake Bulkley, scored three times and set up his teammates for opportunities throughout the game. Brandon Manka had two goals and four assists, and Tanner Trede added two goals and three assists. Ryan Ruddy and Mark Sokk each scored twice.
Colin Breslin, Sam Steare, Austin Cameron, Connor Breslin, Tyler DiMartino, Wiley Harris, and TJ O’Connell also hit the back of the net.
Scott Bulkley noted that the players are still trying to find their legs after missing out on preseason and that it has been tough early on this spring.
The Nighthawks, despite the shortage of reps, were competitive in a 7-6 loss to Weston on April 22. The coach said his team played hard and showed improvement in this setback following its prior contests, but that he is still looking for the Nighthawks to play an error-free contest.
Against Weston, Bulkley had a goal and five ground ball scoops, and Colin Breslin, Steare, Trede, Sokk, and Ruddy all scored. Dandrea made 15 saves.
Newtown faced another of its South-West Conference foes, Joel Barlow of Redding, on April 27, and fell 7-5. Trede had two goals and an assist, Bulkley had a goal and an assist, Colin Breslin tallied two assists, and Steare and Connor Breslin each scored once. Dandrea made 11 saves.
“We wish we had more games like that,” Scott Bulkley said of facing Weston and Barlow.
“They’re big, they’re rivals and we know the kids,” said Jake Bulkley, adding that the Nighthawks know a lot of their toughest conference rivals from summer league action.
Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.
Colin Breslin, left, turns the corner on a defender during Newtown’s 18-0 triumph at Notre Dame-Fairfield on April 24.
TJ O’Connell, right, battles against the Lancers. —Bee Photos, Hutchison
Goaltender Jake Dandrea and the Hawks posted a trio of shutouts in the first six games of the season.
Jake Bulkley competes in the rain during a game against New Fairfield earlier in April. Bulkley has been Newtown’s top scorer.
Ryan Ruddy competes for the Nighthawks.
Brandon Manka moves the ball during a game this spring.
Shaine Luzietti makes a pass up to the offense.
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Despite Being Short On Practice, Lax Defense Has Been Perfect Three Times - The Newtown Bee
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