The only thing competitors on the Newtown High School girls' golf team know when it comes to the South-West Conference is championship success. This is the program's third year at the varsity level, and the Nighthawks are two-for-two in the SWC tourney, last year running away with the title.

Whether or not the Nighthawks retain their crown hinges greatly on the Nighthawks playing to their collective capability given almost all of last year's team, including the top golfers, are back on the course.

"We have a great opportunity to challenge for another SWC championship, and we're hoping to take that next step and become a threat in the state tournament," Newtown Coach Jeremy O'Connell said.

Newtown is led by junior captain and last year's SWC tourney medalist Sarah Houle, and senior captain Kayla Ward.

Returnees include Liz Weisgerber, Casey Muckell, Camryn Findley, Dani Powell, Sydney Marino, and Kira Kelly. Just who rounds out the top five, likely behind Houle, will come down to performance in practices and matches.

"I think more than ever there's competition for all the spots. I think it should be fun," said Houle, adding that the Nighthawks are likely to have a different looking lineup from match to match. "It gives a lot of people a chance to show why they belong on the team."

"I'm excited to see how everyone's doing," Ward added.

Tough teams include Joel Barlow of Redding, Masuk of Monroe, Immaculate of Danbury, and Brookfield, O'Connell said.

The Hawks have been limited to indoor practice sessions because of the snowy course conditions at home venue Rock Ridge Country Club. Matches originally scheduled for early April were postponed. The season opener is now set for Monday, April 17,when the Hawks host Notre Dame-Fairfield, Masuk of Monroe, and Immaculate of Danbury, at 3 pm.