Coming off a run to the South-West Conference championship game, Newtown High School's girls' soccer team is looking to take care of some unfinished business this autumn.

"We have lofty goals for a team that is returning 11 players, including nine starters, from last season's Colonial Division Championship, and SWC Tournament runner-up team. We are looking to build on last season's success, which was fueled by an injection of young players, and challenge once again for the top of the SWC. Our focus right now is on getting better and stronger everyday," Coach Adam Bourret said.

If this team continues to improve then the rest of the league should look out, given so much experience is back on the field. The Nighthawks certainly are among the favorites.

That said, however, there is plenty of tough competition standing in the way. Tough teams on the schedule include conference foes Notre Dame Prep of Fairfield (defending SWC Champs), Masuk of Monroe (defending Class L State Champs), Pomperaug of Southbury, and Joel Barlow of Redding; and non-conference foes Enfield and Lauralton Hall of Milford are other good tests.

"With the first week of preseason coming to an end, there is growing optimism as the girls begin to see everything fall into place. We have added some great coaches to our staff who will be integral to the team’s success this season," Bourret said in late August, referring to Goalkeeper Coach Justin Stevens, Assistant Coach Diana Malone, and Junior Varsity Coach Katie Rowan (Newtown alum).

Captains are midfielders Ana Morris and Blake Heim-Sherwood, along with center back Sara Ruddy. Other key players to watch, all of whom also bring back plenty of experience, are sophomore goalkeeper Elise Ansman; sophomore center backs Gianna Mascaro and Addie Kopp; junior midfielder Sadie Singlak; sophomore midfielders Delia Stango, Olivia Fernandes, and Makenzie Fregoe; and junior forward Summer Chaljub.

The regular season begins Tuesday, September 8 at Weston with a 6 pm contest. Newtown's home opener is Friday, September 11, when New Milford comes to Blue & Gold Stadium at 4:30 pm.

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