Newtown High School’s field hockey team begins the campaign with a strong work ethic that Coach Stephanie Kearns is hopeful will help carry her Nighthawks to some postseason success.

“I’m really looking forward to the season. I think it’s going to be a pretty strong team,” Kearns said. “It’s a group of girls that want to work hard and want to be here.”

The Nighthawks went 8-6-1-1 (wins, losses, ties, and overtime losses) last year. They earned the eighth seed in the South-West Conference tournament and fell to eventual runner-up Pomperaug of Southbury in the quarterfinals. Newtown defeated Southington in the Class L state tournament qualifying round before being eliminated in the first round.

Immaculate of Danbury is the defending conference champion. Runner-up Pomperaug of Southbury and New Milford are among other traditionally strong squads.

Tough competition stands to come from throughout the SWC, Kearns said.

“Our goal is to make it far in the SWC and see what we can do in states,” the coach added.

The Nighthawks lost a dozen team members, including several who started or played major roles, to graduation.

Kearns, however, likes what she sees in her new-look team.

“This team already is working together very well. They have a lot of chemistry on the field. I’d like to see that implemented in a game situation and see how they play together,” the coach said as preseason unfolded with practice at Treadwell Park on August 27.

Captains this year are forwards Libby Poseno, Piper Coleman, Casey McLean, and Ali Kelleher, and defender Elizabeth Salley.

Other players to watch include senior defender Jenna Gonski and senior goaltender Megan Fuchs.

A trio of players were vying for starting time guarding the cage as the preseason wound down this past week. The other goalies are junior Gigi Marino and sophomore Rebecca Filiato.

The regular slate begins with a nonconference clash as the Hawks play their home opener Tuesday, September 11, when Simsbury visits Treadwell Park at 4:30 pm.

Newtown’s first matchup on the Blue & Gold Stadium turf is slated for Thursday, September 13, when Watertown visits at 5:30 pm. Non-SWC opponents on the schedule include Trumbull and Nonnewaug.