Newtown High School’s girls’ swimming and diving team hits the water with some less-experienced swimmers set to develop skills, trim times, and make their marks while building for both this year’s championship races and future campaigns.

Last year, the team graduated significant postseason points and experience in the form of eight swimmers, opening the door for newcomers and some of last year’s rising team members to shine in 2025.

“We do have a good group returning and we’re excited to see their progress this year,” Coach Lisa Irving said. “This is a year of growth and everybody’s working toward achieving their personal bests.”

“We’re really looking forward to swimmers finding their niche spots with a view toward team camaraderie and constant improvement,” Assistant Coach Ryan Eberts added.

The Nighthawks will be led by senior captains Maddie Marcisz, who is a sprint freestyler and butterfly swimmer, and Zoe Petertonjes, a butterfly and individual medley standout. Among those returning with solid experience are also Sierra Marx, who swims the 100 freestyle and backstroke events, and Indigo Land, who competes in the 100 breaststroke and is a sprint freestyle competitor. Leading a trio of divers is Aliyah Reuther, a former gymnast who saw some time on the board around injuries last fall.

The Nighthawks start and finish the season with a pair of benchmark opponents — Masuk of Monroe in the opener on the road, Friday, September 5 and at Brookfield on Friday, October 24 — both scheduled 4 pm starts. In between are a mix of meets against opponents the Nighthawks traditionally handle with ease and those who dominate the field: Pomperaug of Southbury and Weston. The Hawks will have their first home meet Tuesday, September 9, when Weston comes to town at 4 pm.

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