Hitting, pitching, and defense are three of the biggest facets of the game that will determine how successful the Newtown High School softball team is this spring as the Nighthawks go for a South-West Conference Championship and deep run in the state tournament. The Nighthawks will look to improve on their hitting, rely on a different formula in the pitcher's circle, and boast a solid group of experienced fielders.

"Our goal, always, is to make it to a SWC championship and win the title. I would like to make it back to the state quarterfinals and exceed what we did last year. We have the potential," said Coach Megan Goyda, whose team lost to Masuk of Monroe in the SWC semifinals and saw its season end at Fairfield Warde in the state quarters.

"This year will be a little different. We’re going to look to utilize all of our pitchers throughout games, not just consistently rely on one or two to pitch full games. We also need to have more of an offensive presence to achieve these goals. So far, we have great vibes and great energy from everyone and I’m hopeful it will continue throughout the season," Goyda added.

In addition to solid defense, the Hawks possess cohesiveness stemming from familiarity given many of these players have taken to the field together throughout the years.

"Our defense seems to be on lock. We have a lot of experience this year. With six seniors and seven returning varsity starters I’m hoping that will play to our advantage. We also have great chemistry right now. The girls are having fun, working hard, and braving the cold to prepare for the season. One area of growth is hitting. We struggled with that last year. Everyone on this team can produce in big ways for us — we just need to show our opponents what we can do on a consistent basis," Goyda said.

Captains are Addy Cordova (pitcher/shortstop), Olivia Doersch and Elena Burdo (outfielders), and Gillian Boughan (third base). Other key players include Gabby Ansman (first base), Lila Accuosti (second base), Reagan Schenzer (catcher), Evelynn Schoen (outfield), B.B. Diorio (shortstop), Izzy Ligouri (third base/shortstop), and Mia Napolitano (pitcher).

"Addy Cordova looks to be our ace this year and continue her strong presence in the circle. We return a lot of strong defensive ability with Lila Acousti at second, Gabby Ansman at first, Gill at third, and Elena and Olivia in the outfield. Reagan will be making a change from the outfield to behind the plate to replace Sophia Caruso who graduated last year," Goyda said. "We have a lot of offensive potential throughout the lineup. I’m just hoping it comes to life once we start the season next week."

The Nighthawks begin the season Tuesday, April 7 with a rematch at Warde starting at 4 pm. The home opener is the next day when another FCIAC foe, Trumbull, visits at 4:15.

"Brookfield will be a big test for us this year. As always Masuk will be a fight too. We have to look out for Notre Dame, New Milford, Bunnell, and Immaculate. Non conference we have our hands full with Warde, Cheshire, St Joe’s, and Trumbull. They’re tough but also a great test for when we enter states," Goyda said.

The Newtown coach is excited to get the season started.

"I’m ecstatic. This team is special. You can just feel it. I’m looking forward to each of them being successful in their own ways while working together to accomplish something big," Goyda said. "We have a tough schedule but these kids know how to grind and have a good understanding of what it’s going to take to be successful."

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