HUGE LOSS — Wednesday's loss to SWC rival Masuk was tougher than most for Pete Maxfield's young Barlow Falcons.

The 5-2 defeat dropped the Falcons to 4-7 on the season (0-4 in SWC Division II), but also cost them senior captain Stephen Gontzes to injury.

Gontzes is one of only two seniors on the team, and Maxfield will need somebody to step up and replace his veteran leader if his improving team is to make the state tournament for the first time in years.

"It has been a major focus all season, even preseason," Maxfield said. "It's been a long time since the team has reached the state tournament. With the players we have, I still think it's within our grasp." The Falcons have featured a balanced scoring attack with Kyle McCann (7-5-12), Charlie Goldburg (4-8-12), Lucas Kynoch (5-4-9), Rian Rooney (4-5-9), Kevin Mallozzi (5-3-8) and Gontzes (4-4-8) spreading the wealth.

Trevor Hirst has been strong between the pipes, playing in all 11 games and posting a 3.25 goals against average and an .860 save percentage.

In order to put a halt to their three-game losing streak, the Falcons will have to start with good efforts in their next two games against Housatonic Valley and Shelton/New Haven.

"Honestly, if we want to make states all are remaining games are important," Maxfield said. "We have nine games left and we need a minimum of four wins to qualify. There can't be any letup."