Coming off consecutive runner-up finishes in the South-West Conference, Newtown High School's girls' track and field team is striving to get over the hump and win it all this spring.

The Nighthawks, who went 13-0 in the regular campaign and placed fourth in the Class LL state championships, lost 21 team members to graduation. That's a big number but so, too, is 80. That's how many Hawks are in the fold this season.

Key graduates include Jess Keller, Shay Fahey, Shelby Tolla, Micaela Nowacki, and Emma Bayuk. (Keller and Bayuk were on the 4x800 meter relay team that set a school record).

This year's captains are distance runners Kelsey Miller and Sarah Mawdsley, along with hurdler Sam Dion, and jumper Jackie Sgobbo.

Among the other returnees whom Coach Doug Russell is expecting big things from are Erin Tressler (distance), Hailey Conrad (400 and relays), Makenna Cerney (SWC Champion in 300 hurdles), and Lauren Russo (pole vault).

"Our goals this season are really no different from the past seasons. They are to win the SWC conference and compete strong at the state level and hopefully qualify some of the student-athletes for State Opens and New Englands," Russell said.

The Nighthawks have been solid the past two springs, "but still have been missing some of the vital components that can help us become a championship team," the coach said. "This year we have a lot of new girls but from what I can see they are talented and can help the team quite a bit."

The question is, will it be enough to overcome the other top teams, led by Weston, the defending conference champion.

"Weston is always one of those teams who are strong and well coached and they compete well at the championship level. Our goal is to go toe-to-toe with them and hopefully we can come out on top this year," Russell said. "There are strong student-athletes throughout our conference and that is what is exciting about our sport because each individual can move on if they can make the qualifying standards."

Newtown's strength has been in the field events, and Russell anticipates this continuing with strong contributions on the track perhaps being a difference-maker come postseason.

"Our team has always been pretty strong in the field and that has helped us compete well, and this year it looks like we may pick up in some areas, especially on the track, that we haven't been as strong in the past," the coach said. "I feel our sprinters and mid-distance will help us tremendously this year. We have been pretty strong in the throws and even though we have some new girls in that area I believe we can continue to compete there. Distance has been one of our strong points and I also think we can do well there as well."

The Nighthawks begin the season with the Bloomfield Invitational on April 9. After competing in the New York Relays April 15 and 16, the first conference meets take place, beginning with an April 18 visit to Pomperaug of Southbury to take on the hosts, as well as Bethel. Newtown's first home meet is slated for April 25, when Notre Dame-Fairfield, Stratford, and Joel Barlow of Redding visit Blue & Gold Stadium, beginning at 4 pm.

"I am excited about our chances this season and look forward to seeing what some of the new girls can bring to the team. They come on to this team knowing that it is necessary to work hard each and every day because the effort you put in every day can have pretty awesome outcomes," Russell said.