Newtown High School's girls' cross country team is looking to improve on last year's results and finish in the top three among South-West Conference foes.

"We are returning some young talent eager to hit [personal records] and excited about the training to obtain their goals," NHS Coach Christina Caron said. "Goals for the season are to get every athlete comfortable running the 5k races every week. We are striving to beat our standing at the SWC meet — hoping for top three this year. And it's always a team and individual goal of many girls to qualify for the State Open meet. If everyone stays healthy and follows the training, we will be competitive."

Last season, the Nighthawks placed fourth in the SWC meet. Tough teams to beat will be defending champion Pomperaug of Southbury and New Fairfield, Caron anticipates.

Captains are Maddie Britton, Audrey McLean, Lily Caston, and Lahja Kurjiaka. Other runners to watch for are Keeley Ferriter, Eleanor Smith, Nyla Peterson, and Annie Fattore, the coach said.

"The girls are very excited for the season, whether it's the running/training or just being together," Caron added.

"Most of the girls returned in good shape so we have been able to get right into workouts and focus on training. We challenged the girls to run 100 miles over the summer. Six girls completed the challenge: Lily Caston, Ainsley Stott, Keeley Ferriter, Annie Fattore, Maddie Britton, Lahja Kurjiaka. We are super proud of these girls for their dedication to training in the summer," the coach added.

NHS puts its summer training to the test beginning Tuesday, September 15 at Brookfield at 4:15 pm. The Nighthawks have their home meet Tuesday, October 6, when Notre Dame Prep of Fairfield, Joel Barlow of Redding, and Pomperaug visit the Fairfield Hills trails at 5 pm. The SWC Championships will take place at Bethel High on Wednesday, October 21 at 3:30 pm.

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