The Newtown High School girls’ swimming and diving team opened the season with a visit to New Fairfield on September 13 and came out on top, 102-69.

“Great start to the season. We had some nice swims and are excited to see what the season will hold for us. Very happy overall with the team performance,” Newtown Coach Becky Osborne said.

Newtown began things with a one-two finish in the 200 yard medley relay event. Alexa Kwarcinski, Zoe Petertonjes, Grace Fischer, and Diellza Limani came in first in a time of 1:59.28. Ella Seaver, Lilian Accettella, Daniella Guerrieri, and Emily Metzker came in second in 2:14.22.

Lauren Smiley was Newtown’s fastest to finish the 200 freestyle race, clocking in at 2:16.53. Kwarcinski was second in the 200 individual medley in 2:18.49 and Fischer was second in the event in 2:28.97. Petertonjes won the 50 free in 26.36 and Limani was runner-up in the 50 with a time of 27.40.

In the diving competition, Ella Hall placed first with a score of 187.65 and Katie Yeaton was second with a score of 168.975.

The Nighthawks continued to pile up event wins out of the diving break. Petertonjes won the 100 butterfly race in a time of 1:02.35. Limani was first in the 100 free in 58.93 and Smiley came in second in 1:02.58. The Hawks had the top two finishers in the 500 as well. Anna Shew won the 500 by making her final touch in 6:01.21 and Maura Daly was second in 6:22.01.

In the 200 free relay, Fischer, Smiley, Accettella, and Petertonjes combined for first in 1:56.34.

Newtown sealed the team victory with three events to go and exhibitioned the rest of the way. Kwarcinski had the fastest time in the 100 backstroke event, clocking in at 1:05.59 and Seaver was next in 1:11.77. Fischer recorded the best time in the 100 breaststroke race in 1:14.13.

The 400 relay team of Seaver, Limani, Shew, and Kwarcinski finished in an event-best time of 4:06.71.

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