While youth and inexperience generally means rebuilding in school sports, that is not always the case — and especially this year’s Newtown High School girls’ golf squad, which Coach Jeremy O’Connell believes can do something very special, perhaps even claim a South-West Conference championship as it did in 2021, with a large group of freshmen potentially playing a key role.

Newtown’s coach noted that an “incredibly strong freshman class could solidify the lineup and make a strong push in the SWC.”

The Nighthawks will need some players to step up following the graduation of key golfers led by two-time SWC individual champion Kendall Reed, and do have some returning talent back on the course.

Captains are senior Aiden Herbstman and junior Maddy Watson. In addition to the captains, returnees who bring match play experience back are junior Emma Early and sophomore Lucia St. Lorenzo. Juniors Olivia Hankins, Lauren Thompson, and Sarah Gore, along with sophomore Sophia Wade are working to play in matches this season, O’Connell said.

Freshmen Amanda Faircloth, Corynn Hettenbach, Maddie Marcisz, Riley Ragan, Madison Slater, and Ella Viau are strong golfers who not only give the roster a boost but may also prove to be difference-makers right out of the gate and for years to come.

“Looking forward to watching this team grow and the improvements throughout the season,” O’Connell said.

Immaculate of Danbury (runners-up last year) and Masuk of Monroe (champions last spring) are the returning favorites in the SWC, O’Connell said.

The Nighthawks are scheduled to open the season Wednesday, April 5, when Stratford visits Newtown Country Club at 3 pm. The Hawks face Masuk and Immaculate twice each this spring.

Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.