Whether it is staying back to keep the ball in play or charging the net for a put-away shot, Newtown High School’s boys’ tennis team needs to be ready to do it all depending on the situation, and Coach Anna Malkin is back at the helm to enforce that mindset as the Nighthawks embark on another campaign on the courts.

“My goal this season is to help our players become really well-rounded. I want everyone to be able to play aggressively and defensively. We will be working a lot on strategy this year as most of our lineup contains well-seasoned players who have the ability to take their game to the next level,” said Malkin, who initially took over coaching duties in 2019; the 2020 season was wiped out by the coronavirus and Malkin was away from the team on maternity leave last spring when Haby Farah stepped in to coach.

So Newtown has a new yet familiar face leading the way this year. Malkin is enthusiastic about the prospects for a good season with the group.

“We have a lot of returnees who are all great team players. In a sport that is primarily about the individual, it’s important to remember that we are all playing for the same team, and our group this year is already showing great teamwork,” she said.

Captains are seniors Sam Cannizzo, Josh Parsons, Ben Ochs, and Orion Bracksieck — who make up the top four singles players in that order.

“Alex Kyprianou and Andrew Sposato, both juniors, are returning to doubles play this year. We have a great group of talent, including some freshmen, who are all competing for the remaining two doubles teams,” Malkin said.

The Nighthawks will have some tough competition in the South-West Conference and hope these opponents serve to improve their games.

“Tough teams we hope to be competitive with are Pomperaug (of Southbury) and Brookfield. Joel Barlow (of Redding) and Weston are always tough opponents and we look to come out stronger after playing them,” Malkin said.

The season is set to begin Wednesday, April 6, with a visit to Wolfe Park in Monroe to take on Masuk at 3:45 pm. Immaculate of Danbury visits Monday, April 11, at 3:30 pm.

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