Just because it's largely a rebuilding year doesn't mean it also can't be a successful campaign. Newtown High School's girls' tennis team lost eight players, seven of whom played prominent roles in a 10-player starting lineup, from last year. Despite all of the holes in the roster, Coach Maureen Maher believes this year's version of the Nighthawks can do even better than last year's.

"I want to finish at least where we finished last year - possibly above," said Maher, whose team posted an 11-4 mark before falling in the South-West Conference semifinals.

The reason for the optimism is twofold: The returnees have made significant strides since last season, and newcomers bring plenty of skill to the courts, Maher says.

"I'm really happy with the improvement of players - I'm very excited about that. They've really stepped up their game," Maher said.

Whether the Nighthawks can match or even exceed last year's win total despite a mostly revamped lineup remains to be seen.

"That is a tall order," Maher said. "I think they are up to it. I've got some really competitive girls on the team."

Returnees are led by senior captains Lauren Beier and Anna Biondi. Beier played in the top singles spot in each of the past two years and again will hold that position. Biondi played third singles a year ago, and her spot in the lineup was yet to be determined as the preseason unfolded this past week.

Junior Emily McCoy played second doubles last spring. Her partner graduated, leaving her position to be determined. They won the doubles championship in the SWC individual tournament last spring.

Sophomore Amanda Berry, who played singles last year, worked very hard in the offseason and will play a key role in the lineup this spring, Maher anticipates.

Other returnees on the roster are senior Katie Reilly, juniors Simran Chand and Rachel Goldman, and sophomore Sophie Wolfman.

"My returning players that did not have a starting position look stronger than last year. I'm happy to see their improvement and looking forward to them to have a positive impact on our team," Maher said.

New players are senior Anika Dholakia, Tessa Leon-Gambetta; sophomores Hayley Lambert, Julia Anderson, and Megan Cooney; and freshmen Gabby Reisert and Lauren Davis.

"I'm very excited about my new players. There is a lot of talent that has joined our team," said Maher, who spent the preseason evaluating her players to determine who should play singles or doubles.

Regardless of how it shakes out, in addition to the coach, the players have lots of optimism.

"It's looking good," said Biondi, whose goals for the team are to be competitive in every match and have all-around improvement as the season unfolds.

"I think we are a good, competitive team that has the ability to do well in the SWCs," Beier added.

Tough competition stands to come from the usual suspects - Joel Barlow of Redding and Weston - along with always competitive Pomperaug of Southbury and an improved Bunnell of Stratford lineup, Maher expects.

The season opens with four straight home matches beginning with Bunnell's Monday, April 4, visit, which starts at 3:45 pm.