Coming off an unbeaten campaign that culminated with a South-West Conference North Division championship, Newtown High School’s girls’ volleyball team will try to win another title in a return to the regular conference format.

Last year’s success came during a season in which the schedule was tweaked significantly and Newtown was matched up with only half of its conference foes. The goal of winning it all remains intact and stands to be more of a challenge with match ups against all of the other teams, including rival Joel Barlow, which won the South during last year’s coronavirus-altered slate and has captured nine consecutive SWC titles.

Coach Tom Czaplinski said one of his goals is for the Nighthawks to become a great passing and blocking team. A strength in fold is having five players with plenty of varsity experience and lots of athleticism on the court, he said.

Delia Clouden, Chloe O’Connell, Shannon Muckell, Grace Miller, and Keyera Smith are all back having gained significant court time. Captains were to be named prior to the start of the season. The Hawks graduated a handful of players who saw regular match time.

As for what it will take for the Nighthawks to get to the top, Czaplinski said, “Focus and hard work in practice, improved team chemistry, desire.”

In addition to Barlow, Pomperaug of Southbury and New Milford, whom the Hawks bested in last year’s championship match, are tough SWC teams.

“We are one of the teams to watch for. Although we graduated a lot of talent, we were very deep last year and a lot of girls played club volleyball and have experience,” Czaplinski said.

Woodstock Academy, East Lyme, Darien, and St. Joseph of Trumbull are out-of-conference tilts set up to challenge Czaplinski’s squad and prepare them for the playoffs.

Czaplinski said he is hopeful for a full schedule with a regular SWC tourney and a return to the state playoffs. Because volleyball is played indoors, players are required to wear masks during practices and matches.

The regular season begins Thursday, September 9, when St. Joseph visits at 5:30 pm. This is the first of four consecutive nonconference match ups to begin the slate. NHS will get tested early with East Lyme (home on Saturday, September 11 at 12:30 pm) and Darien (on the road Monday, September 13 at 5:30 pm) to follow. After a visit to Fairfield Ludlowe (Tuesday, September 14 at 5:30 pm), the Hawks get into SWC play. They visit New Fairfield on Wednesday, September 22 at 5:30 pm. New Milford comes to town on Tuesday, October 12, and Barlow visits three days later (both also 5:30 starts). NHS also goes on the road to face Barlow, closing out the regular slate on Wednesday, October 27 at 5:30 pm.

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