Newtown High School’s girls’ soccer team, coming off a run to the South-West Conference tournament championship game and Class LL state tourney quarterfinals, brings back plenty of experienced players but a bit of a new feel.

The goals, as always, are the same: Be in contention for, and ideally win, conference and state titles.

“My expectations for this group are super high,” Coach Marc Kenney said as his team practiced on a 90-plus degree afternoon on the NHS back practice fields on August 28.

Kenney believes Masuk of Monroe is the team to beat in the SWC, and Joel Barlow of Redding — as usual — will be very good. Immaculate of Danbury, which defeated the Nighthawks in last year’s pinnacle conference battle, along with Notre Dame-Fairfield, are private schools that always have the potential to be in the mix, Kenney noted.

Newtown was 13-2-1 a year ago and earned the third seed in the state bracket; the Nighthawks were beaten 2-1 by Glastonbury in the state quarters.

The Hawks lost a trio of starters to graduation: Midfielders Sarah Houle and Grace Corcoran, and defender Cassidy Kortze. Backup goalkeeper Janyce Toth also graduated.

Losing only a few starters bodes well for most programs, but these departures leave big shoes to fill in terms of on and off the field abilities and leadership. Because of this, Kenney said, he expects some initial growing pains, but he is optimistic the lineup will come into top form by season’s end.

Forward Emma Curtis and midfielder Keeley Kortze are captains who will lead the Nighthawks, and Kenney likes the efforts of his team leaders as they step into and adapt to new roles.

Midfielders Karsen Pirone and Sydney Howard, along with junior defender Hannah Daly are the other top field players back in the fold, Kenney said, and goalkeeper Juliana Stavola is back after starting as a freshman.

“I think one of our strengths is going to be our ability to play as a group, and that really has to be our strength,” Kenney said. “I’m super impressed with the young kids.”

And Kenney is pleased with the overall attitude of the group.

“I love this team; I love these kids. They’re hardworking, and they’re nice kids,” the coach added.

The September 6 opener at SWC foe New Milford was postponed due to rain. NHS hosts nonconference team Amity of Woodbridge on Saturday, September 8, beginning at noon. Among other games to circle on the schedule are the Thursday, September 20, visit to Masuk at 7 pm and Tuesday, September 25 visit to Barlow at 4 o’clock.