Only two years removed from her successful run as head coach of Newtown High School's girls' lacrosse team, Maura Fletcher is back the helm, and the Nighthawks are striving to get back to the pinnacle.

After a run of ten straight South-West Conference championships in a decade of coaching, Fletcher and her personal ten for ten mark stepped down following the 2014 campaign. With the SWC strengthening, Newtown has had a mini drought of sorts. Joel Barlow of Redding is the two-time champ, and New Fairfield, which Barlow defeated in last year's SWC Division I title game, has been among the top competitors in the conference in recent seasons.

"They're on a mission and they want a title again," Newtown Assistant Coach Kristen Bulkley said as the team practiced on the Blue & Gold Stadium turf during preseason. "Overall, there is a sense with everyone that this is a new start."

The Nighthawks needed a new coach and Fletcher enthusiastically agreed to step back onto the field with the girls, and is committed to at least this season.

"I am so excited to be back and help out the girls," said Fletcher, adding that she has high expectations as always.

"I think there is a lot of individual talent on the team. We just need to continue to work on their Lax IQ and learn to work as a team, a strong cohesive unit. If we can achieve that, I think they will have a lot of success. The goal is always to win a championship. This year isn't any different," Fletcher said.

In addition to Bulkley, junior varsity coaches Rachel Maley and Steph Suhoza, former standout players under Fletcher, are in the mix, helping out with drills as the season fast approaches.

"They're terrific coaches and the girls are very lucky to be coached by them," said Bulkley, adding that Jim Kenning, who returns as goaltender coach, is a big part of a strong staff.

The Nighthawks went 8-8 a year ago and are looking to put together their first winning campaign in a few years. The coaches believe that, given the wealth of returning and newcomer talent, this goal is well within reach. The next step, the Hawks hope, is reclaiming the top spot in the SWC. Newtown was in a bit of a rebuilding stage following the graduation of ten players the year after Fletcher stepped aside. They won five games and missed the playoffs in 2015, before returning to the playoffs last spring.

They will look to continue to climb with a bulk of the lineup back in place as only four players graduated from last year's lineup. The Hawks are led by captains Julia Sughrue and Nevan Gattey, both midfielders, along with Megan Kelleher, a defender.

"So far we're looking good. We're ready," Sughrue said.

Key returnees, the coaches say, include attack players Alex Futterman and Emily Dirga; midfielder Jess Maturo; and defenders Cassidy Kortze and Dylan Zahansky. Tess Davenport returns as the goaltender.

"I think these girls have so much potential - much more than they even realize. They're tough. I think their work ethic is going to serve them well," Bulkley said.

The season is set to begin on Thursday, April 6, when New Milford visits Blue & Gold for a 5 pm clash. Newtown faces Barlow and New Fairfield in early May.