Norwich — Norwich Tech’s back line was making things tough and the Stonington High School boys’ soccer team wasn’t exactly looking at the glass as half full after a scoreless first half Thursday.

No. 17 Stonington rebounded in the second half, though, breaking the deadlock on a goal by Sal Alessio with about 18 minutes, 30 seconds remaining, and going on to beat top-seeded Norwich Tech 3-0 in the second round of the Class M state tournament.

The Bears (11-8) advanced to Saturday’s quarterfinal round, traveling to No. 9 Northwestern for a 1 p.m. game.

“Listen, kudos to Norwich Tech. They’re a gritty team. They’re a tough defensive team,” Stonington coach Mario Costa said. “And their home field advantage (on a grass field), they have their game plan set for when teams come there.

“The energy was kind of low. We told them you have to have the same energy you did against Woodland (3-0 win in the first round in Class M), the same energy you had against Ledyard on Senior Night (1-0 loss).

“They changed it up in the second half. Obviously, the second half was a big turnaround in the game being played in Norwich Tech’s half.”

After Alessio’s goal, assisted by Landon Pelletier, Jace Wolfradt scored twice for Stonington. Mike Kennedy added an assist and Nick Cannella recorded one save for the shutout. Mason Matthews made nine saves for Norwich Tech (14-3-3).

“We’re healthy, we’ve been playing our better soccer,” Costa said. “It’s about a little bit of luck. The state tournament can be crazy. Just take it one game at a time, do your job and we can be successful. ... They’re starting to believe a little bit more.”

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