The three-second reserve field hockey team pulls a dramatic victory

Published: September 18, 2021 08:00

The game certainly seemed to go on overtime. Then, with the final seconds coming, Izzy Butler scored a thrilling 2-1 win for Newtown High Schools ’field hockey team from visiting Trumbull at the opening of the Sept. 11 season at Blue & Gold Stadium. Summer Harrell assisted with the road break.

Newtown broke the ice by just 56 seconds into the fourth quarter when Morgan Melillo put Regan Schoen in the penalty corner. Shoens fired through bouncing defenders and reached the back of the cage.

Trumbull got a tie 7:03 left to create Butlers heroism.

Newtown coach Ellen Goyda was pleased with the collective effort as the Nighthawks defeated a tough anti-conference opponent to start the campaign.

I am really proud of everything. It was a great FCIAC team, and we didn’t give up, and I’m glad about that, Goyda said.

Newtown goalkeeper Cailyn Sullivan and the back team made Eagles things difficult throughout the match. Maddy Twitchell and Katelyn Zaniewski played a strong defense, as did Erin Shah, who did a great job marking Trumbull’s scorer Kayla Barbagallon, the coach noted. Harrell, the midfielder, was strong in the defense and supported the strikers, Goyda added.

Despite the success, Nighthawks still has a lot of work to do.

Were a bit in poor shape. We have a little work to do, but I’m proud of them, Goyda said.

Newtown has some time to develop his stamina when he has a week and a longer break from the game. The Hawks will be on Monday, Sept. 20, when Mamaroneck, NY visits Blue & Gold for another potentially challenging test at 4:30 p.m.

The South West Conference kicks off on Wednesday 22 September when the NHS visits the Masuk of Monroe at 6.30pm.

Sports reporter Andy Hutchison is available at [email protected].

Izzy Butler dominates the ball during Newtowns ’2-1 win over Trumbull at Blue & Gold Stadium on September 11th. Butler won the game in just three seconds. Bee Photos, Hutchison

Maddy Twitchell runs on the field with Katelyn Zaniewski (No. 13) and Trumbull players watching.

Reagan Schoen (No. 20) and Shannon Kelleher defend against Trumbull.

Shannon Kelleher, right, fights to control the ball.