TORRINGTON –  Weeks of blood, sweat and tears by the Torrington High School Lady Blazers’ relatively young squad paid off in the second half of Torrington’s conference home game against Newcastle on Thursday, May 2.

Newcastle established a 3-0 lead with a trio of goals early in the first half. Undaunted, the Torrington defense closed ranks for the remaining 30 minutes of the opening half to prevent Newcastle from adding to its tally.

The Lady Blazer offense repeatedly attacked Newcastle territory in the second half, culminating in a goal kicked in by sophomore Kennedi Blevins. An ironclad Torrington defense completely shut out Newcastle from scoring in the final 40 minutes of regulation, resulting in the Lady Blazers won the second half.

On Saturday, Torrington traveled to play Buffalo, with the Lady Blazers coming up short, 4-0. A tenacious Lady Blazer defense held Buffalo to a single goal in the first half.

Newcastle

The Lady Dogies managed to score three goals early in the first half, including two penalty kicks.

The Torrington defense recovered 10 minutes into the first half and foiled further attempts to score by the Lady Dogies. Defensive plays by freshman Kynzi Thomas, sophomore Natalie Lira, freshman Madison Hatch and Blevins cleared the back- and midfield.

Sophomore goalie Kristin Prado stepped up with five saves over the course of the remaining 30 minutes in the first half.

On offense, junior Maggie Jacobson and sophomore Brooklynn McCoy both struck deep into Newcastle’s territory with a shot on goal.

The Lady Blazer defense stepped up the pressure in the second half, with plays by Blevins, Lira and Thomas.

Defensive hustle by sophomore Alicia Chavez cleared Torrington’s goal area and Prado posted six additional saves in the second half.

McCoy, Blevins and sophomore Macy Tremain maintained the offensive pressure against Newcastle with a series of shots on goal.

Torrington’s attacks came to fruition with a goal by Blevins, assisted by Tremain.

Torrington hopes to continue building momentum from its games against Newcastle and Buffalo as the Lady Blazers enter the final week of the season with an away game against Rawlins on Friday, May 10.