In high school sports, a lot is often made — for good reason — of how many upperclassmen were retained. In the case of Newtown High School’s girls’ soccer team, however, just as important may be the addition of some first-year high school players.

“This season we have an injection of varsity-level freshmen who are going to make an instant impact and are going to make their presence known to our opponents. We are hoping that the increase in strong offensive-minded players will result in higher-paced and higher-scoring games. Ana Morris was our lone All Conference selection last season, and will have the task of continuing her strong defensive play. She’ll be playing in front of All Colonial defender Maddy Gioiele,” Coach Adam Bourret said.

The Nighthawks will strive to be among the best in the South-West Conference, no easy task given there is strong talent fielded by a variety of teams.

“This season brings a lot of optimism. We are looking to finish top-four in the conference and make a strong showing in both the SWC and State Tournament. We expect each league game to be very competitive,” Bourret said.

“Notre Dame is always a favorite to win the conference. Brookfield is returning almost all of its starters from their SWC Championship team. Masuk (of Monroe) will be strong once again. Pomperaug (of Southbury) is always a tough game,” the coach added.

Captains are senior midfielder Leah Morris, senior goal keeper Grace Newsom, Morris, a junior midfielder.

Other key returning players are defenders Gioiele, Taylor LeRow, and Sara Ruddy; midfielders Addie O’Leary, Teagan Waaler, Lyla Kopp, Sadie Singlak, and Blake Heim-Sherwood; and forward Summer Chaljub.

That freshmen corps includes goalkeeper Elise Ansman; defender Addie Kopp; midfielders Delia Stango and Olivia Fernandes; and forward Mackenzie Fregoe. The Nighthawks sustained a key preseason injury, as freshman defender Gia Mascaro was hurt in a scrimmage with Danbury.

“As always, we have a hard working group. We have had a successful preseason so far, drawing against Danbury, and having similar results in all three of our jamboree games against Staples, Morgan, and Greenwich Country Day,” said the coach, whose squad had yet to face Stamford in another preseason matchup in late August.

The regular season begins Thursday, September 4, when Notre Dame visits Blue & Gold Stadium at 6 pm. The team will face Enfield, Woodland, and Lauralton Hall of Milford in nonconference matches this fall.

“This is an exciting group of players, and I’m optimistic that we’ll be able to do some things on the pitch that we haven’t been able to do these past few seasons. I encourage everyone to come check us out and show your support,” Bourret said.

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