A somewhat inordinate number of graduates — nine to be exact, a lot of whom started or played regularly — gives the Nighthawks a new look this spring.

But expectations certainly haven’t changed

“I want to get right back where we were. We have a lot of talent. Our goal is always to get to the championship game and win a championship,” said Coach Ian Thoesen, whose lineup got all the way to the South-West Conference title game for the second year in a row before falling to Bethel, a year after defeating Bethel in the pinnacle contest.

Newtown went 15-5 in the regular slate and went to the Class LL state tournament quarterfinals before suffering a 1-0 setback to eventual runner-up Ridgefield — the second one-run setback to the Tigers last season.

These teams will meet again in a nonconference matchup early on in the upcoming regular season.

Three of Newtown’s regular-season losses a year ago were decided by one run, including one to Bethel (the teams split a pair of regular-slate games). NHS and Bethel have decided four consecutive regular-season games by one run.

Nighthawk captains are corner infielder Josh Taylor, shortstop Todd Petersen, and center fielder Luke Melillo.

Other key Nighthawks in the mix are utility player Jack Petersen, outfielder Sammy Smith, pitcher/left fielder/infielder Joseph Pagett, pitchers Sean McCleary and Thomas Tavar, catchers Brendan Smith and Matt Bradbury, outfielder/pitcher Harry Lucas, outfielder/third baseman Tyler Stroii, and second baseman Michael Cotton

Newtown has the core of its infield back with three of four starters returning. With five starting position players, some pitching talent, and other regular contributors leaving shoes to fill, Thoesen will turn to some new faces.

From what the coach has seen in preseason, the Hawks will be in good shape to again be a threat in the SWC and state.

“Hitting is a strength, pitching I think can be a strength. We have a lot of young talent coming up

“What I love most is the attitude of the kids. They have fun, they’re enthusiastic with what they’re doing, and I think that goes a long way,” Thoesen said. “They want to win, and they’re hungry.”

Tough competition within the conference again stands to come from the likes of the Bethel Wildcats and Masuk of Monroe, along with New Milford, Brookfield, New Fairfield, Pomperaug of Southbury, Immaculate of Danbury, and Notre Dame-Fairfield.

In addition to Ridgefield, this year’s out-of-conference opponents include Fairfield Warde, Hall of West Hartford, Glastonbury, Seymour, and the team the season gets started against Foran of Milford. First pitch is set for Saturday, March 30, at noon.

The home opener is Monday, April 1, when New Milford visits at 4:30 pm.