• Barlow’s Bella Miceli, left, and New Fairfield’s Katelyn Sousa eye the ball during the New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018. Photo: Krista Benson / The News-Times Freelance
Photo: Krista Benson
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Barlow’s Bella Miceli, left, and New Fairfield’s Katelyn Sousa eye the ball during the New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Barlow’s Bella Miceli, left, and New Fairfield’s Katelyn Sousa eye the ball during the New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Photo: Krista Benson
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Barlow’s Cat Goncalves (17), second from left, tries to get away from New Fairfield players from left, Katelyn Sousa, Maria Zegarelli, and Ailis Wargin during the New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018. less
Barlow’s Cat Goncalves (17), second from left, tries to get away from New Fairfield players from left, Katelyn Sousa, Maria Zegarelli, and Ailis Wargin during the New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls ... more
Photo: Krista Benson
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New Fairfield’s Eileen Rattigan, left, Barlow’s Lucy Witherbee, center, and New Fairfield’s Reagan Tenaglia go after the ball during the New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018. less
New Fairfield’s Eileen Rattigan, left, Barlow’s Lucy Witherbee, center, and New Fairfield’s Reagan Tenaglia go after the ball during the New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New ... more
Photo: Krista Benson
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Barlow’s Cat Goncalves plays the ball from the ground during the New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Barlow’s Cat Goncalves plays the ball from the ground during the New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Photo: Krista Benson
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Barlow’s Bella Miceli, left, and New Fairfield’s Daria Bock during the New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Barlow’s Bella Miceli, left, and New Fairfield’s Daria Bock during the New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Photo: Krista Benson
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Barlow’s Cat Goncalves, left, and New Fairfield’s Eileen Rattigan during the New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Barlow’s Cat Goncalves, left, and New Fairfield’s Eileen Rattigan during the New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Photo: Krista Benson
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New Fairfield’s Reagan Tenaglia, left, and Barlow’s Kacey Hartmann, right, during the New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
New Fairfield’s Reagan Tenaglia, left, and Barlow’s Kacey Hartmann, right, during the New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Photo: Krista Benson
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Barlow’s Bella Miceli, right, reacts to a fall in front of New Fairfield’s Dari Bock, as Barlow’s Julia Shapiro, left, looks on during the New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018. less
Barlow’s Bella Miceli, right, reacts to a fall in front of New Fairfield’s Dari Bock, as Barlow’s Julia Shapiro, left, looks on during the New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New ... more
Photo: Krista Benson
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Barlow’s Bella Miceli during the New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Barlow’s Bella Miceli during the New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Photo: Krista Benson
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Barlow’s Cat Goncalves, left, and Barlow’s Katelyn Nieves during the New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Barlow’s Cat Goncalves, left, and Barlow’s Katelyn Nieves during the New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Photo: Krista Benson
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Barlow head coach Steve Coppock talks to the team during the New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Barlow head coach Steve Coppock talks to the team during the New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Photo: Krista Benson
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New Fairfield head coach Karen Nell, standing, right, during halftime of the New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
New Fairfield head coach Karen Nell, standing, right, during halftime of the New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Photo: Krista Benson
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Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Photo: Krista Benson
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Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Photo: Krista Benson
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Barlow’s Julia Shapiro, left, and New Fairfield’s Daria Bock during the New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Barlow’s Julia Shapiro, left, and New Fairfield’s Daria Bock during the New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Photo: Krista Benson
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Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Photo: Krista Benson
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Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Photo: Krista Benson
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Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Photo: Krista Benson
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Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Photo: Krista Benson
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Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Photo: Krista Benson
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Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Photo: Krista Benson
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Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Photo: Krista Benson
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Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Photo: Krista Benson
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Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Photo: Krista Benson
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Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Photo: Krista Benson
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Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Photo: Krista Benson
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Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Photo: Krista Benson
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Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Photo: Krista Benson
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Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Photo: Krista Benson
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Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Photo: Krista Benson
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Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Photo: Krista Benson
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Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Photo: Krista Benson
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Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Photo: Krista Benson
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Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Photo: Krista Benson
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Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Photo: Krista Benson
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Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Photo: Krista Benson
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Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Game action from New Fairfield versus Joel Barlow SWC girls lacrosse game in New Fairfield, April 26, 2018.
Photo: Krista Benson
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NEW FAIRFIELD — Barlow girls lacrosse captain Sarah Witherbee referred to this year as an opportunity to deliver payback to several squads that handed Falcons losses a year ago.

That payback tour continued for the senior and her teammates as they avenged an SWC semifinal defeat by rival New Fairfield, prevailing 7-5 Thursday night in a defensive battle. Witherbee scored twice for Barlow, which led 6-2 at the half before holding off a late charge from the hosts.

The Falcons remained undefeated in the SWC at 9-1 overall, surpassing their win count from all of last season (8-8).

“It was a tough loss because we beat them in the regular season 9-7 and they won in the playoffs 9-7,” Witherbee said. “We wanted payback because our season is a payback season, trying to defeat all the teams we lost to last year.”

A edge in the faceoff circle was crucial for the Falcons in a tight game. Freshman Bella Miceli took the draws and expertly sent them to teammates; Barlow won 12 of 14 draws, including a late one after the Falcons scored a free position goal to make it 7-4 with eight minutes left.

“We did well,” Barlow coach Steve Coppock said. “All three girls dell well on the draw; obviously Bella took the draw but Cat (Goncalves) and Molly (Carroll) were in there fighting for every ball; most of them were a battle so I was pleased with it.”

The Falcons were able to run more than five minutes off the clock after winning that draw before the Rebels regained possession. Dominique DeMarsico scored with 37.2 seconds left to make it 7-5, but Barlow won the final draw and ran out the clock.

New Fairfield suffered several injuries in quick succession with key defenders midway through the second half.

“It was a very physical game,” said Rebels coach Karen Nell. “Our attack couldn’t get anything started today; it’s a learning experience for our team and how we have to be able to adapt quicker to what a team is presenting.”

TITLE HOPES

The race for the SWC title appears to be wide open more than it was a year ago based on recent results. Newtown recently suffered a 9-8 defeat to Pomperaug to lift hopes of the rest of the elite clubs in the league.

Both Barlow and New Fairfield entered Thursday’s game with one loss.

“There’s always good teams in the SWC,” Coppock said. “This was a good test; last year it didn’t work out for us and winning this game certainly doesn’t guarantee we’sre going to win it, but it’s a step in the right direction.”

PLAYER OF THE GAME

Bella Miceli, Barlow: In addition to dominating in the circle, Miceli fired a hat trick to pace the Falcons offensively.

QUOTABLE

“They’re tenacious and work really hard in practice,” Nell said of her team. “Up until today we’ve adapted to everyone that we’ve played, that’s been great. I feel like we didn’t use our speed as much today as we have in the past; we came out kind of flat.”

rlacey@bcnnew.com, twitter.com/ryanlacey11

BARLOW 7, NEW FAIRFIELD 5

BARLOW5 2 — 7

NEW FAIRFIELD2 3 — 5

Scoring: B—Julia Shapiro 1g, 2a; Cat Goncalves 1g; Bella Miceli 3g; Sarah Witherbee 2g. NF—Dominique DeMarsico 2g; Nicole Berry 1g; Katelyn Nieves 1a; Katelyn Sousa 1g; Reagan Teneglia 1g. Goalies: B—Hannah Tunick (2 saves); NF—Rachel Mikolay (11 saves). Records: Barlow 9-1, New Fairfield 9-2.