By Kim J. Harmon

BROOKFIELD – Despite the youthfulness and relative inexperience, there was a lot of optimism about four weeks ago as the Newtown High School volleyball team was set to embark on the 2001 season.

Now, six matches into the season and with the Nighthawks sitting on a 5-3 record (5-1 in the South-West Conference), it looks as if that optimism was hardly misplaced. A win over Brookfield on Tuesday gave the ‘Hawks a three-match winning streak and had them sitting on their highest perch in quite some time . . . and maybe with only better things ahead.

“No. 1,” said head coach Tom Czaplinski, “everyone is playing with more confidence. Every one of them thinks we can go out there are beat New Fairfield (Wednesday, after press time). And team chemistry has been the biggest thing.”

After a thrilling, 3-2, win over Joel Barlow on Monday, September 24 (the only five-game match of the season), the ‘Hawks were primed pretty well for matches against Weston last Friday and Brookfield on Monday.

The experience of that epic battle against the Lady Falcons certainly helped as the ‘Hawks against Weston. Newtown seemed to hit a snag in a match that appeared to be heading for a swift conclusion, but even though a 2-0 lead disappeared on the ‘Hawks, they managed to defeat the Lady Trojans, 3-2 (15-3, 15-6, 11-15, 13-15, 15-7).

Up front, the ‘Hawks were led by Kate Anderheggen (11 kills, 3 blocks) and Erin Carolan (9 kills, 2 blocks). Setter Anne Schneider had a fine all-around performance, registering 25 assists with seven digs and six aces.

“Everyone is getting a chance to contribute,” said coach Czaplinski.

Things were substantially easier for the ‘Hawks on Monday as they defeated the winless Lady Bobcats, 3-0 (15-9, 15-3, 15-9). It was a chance for players like Shannon Kohn (10 digs, 3 kills), Caitlyn Elf (10 assists, 5 kills) and Kristin Correa (7 digs) to shine.

The ‘Hawks were set to entertain New Fairfield on Wednesday (after press time) and then Notre Dame on Friday. While the ‘Hawks have yet to play the Lady Lancers, they already have lost once to the Lady Rebels (3-0) in a non-conference match that opened the 2001 season.

But at 5-3 overall, 5-1 in the SWC, the ‘Hawks are doing good things.

“It’s a nice position to be in,” said coach Czaplinski. “It’s something we haven’t seen in a long time.”