In addition to striving to have an enjoyable season, with a drop in Class size from LL to L, Newtown High School’s girls’ lacrosse team can more realistically set its sights on a State Championship now than in the past.

“Our number one goal is to keep everyone healthy and experience a real positive and fun season. Our postseason goals have always been to win the (South-West Conference) Tournament. This year is no different but, in addition, we have a real chance at the state tournament this year,” Coach Maura Fletcher said.

In the past the top teams from the state’s top lacrosse conference — FCIAC powers New Canaan, Darien, Wilton, Ridgefield, Greenwich — have stood in Newtown’s way.

“Our strongest competition will be with teams like Cheshire who we are highly competitive with year after year,” Fletcher said.

That is an intriguing proposition for a team that has had many years of, even despite being the better seed and having a home game in some instances, seeing its season end at the hands of one of those FCIAC counterparts. The FCIAC, has not only won the largest class championship but also had the runner-up representative every year since 2015. CIAC records that go back to 2004 indicate the FCIAC has won every Class LL, L, or Division I title — whichever was the largest/strongest class or division.

Co-coaches Fletcher and Steph Suhoza will look to guide the Nighthawks to either or both conference state titles with a nice contingent of returning players in place. Captains are midfielders Brooke Bulkley and Jen Socci along with defenders Jenna Lagan, Abby Ihlefeld and Mo Murphy.

Other key players include Natalie McLean (junior attacker), Emily Sachs (sophomore goalie), Nicki Kaplan (junior attacker), Gabby O’Sullivan (sophomore attacker), Blake Heim Sherwood (sophomore attacker/midfielder), and Sara Ruddy (sophomore midfielder).

“We have a very fast and athletic team this year and great leadership from our senior captains. We have a large senior class that has been playing together for almost a decade and that really translates to their on field demeanor and anticipation of knowing their teammates so well. Defense is solid and experienced. They should have a ton of confidence after last year’s successes. Attack is young but fierce and our midfield is strong,” Fletcher said.

That said, there will be some shoes to fill.

“We graduated a bulk of our offense last year so we may need a little time to get the girls to learn each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Last year most of our scoring came from the midfield and we would really like to see more from the attacking unit. That’s a big goal. Our defense, aka D-Squad, is experienced and solid. Looking forward to having Jenna Lagan back to round out the unit after a season-ending injury last year,” Fletcher said.

Key nonconference games will be against Conard of West Hartford, Cheshire, and Ridgefield. SWC rivals, New Fairfield, Masuk, and Joel Barlow of Redding. New Fairfield won last year’s SWC Championship as well as the Class M State title and Masuk went on to claim the Class L Championship.

The season begins Saturday, April 5, when Fairfield Ludlowe visits at 3 pm. Monday, May 5 versus Barlow at 7 pm is the 15 For Life Foundation game, and Thursday, May 8, against Bethel at 7 is Senior Night.

“We are really excited for this season, the postseason opportunity has really brought a new mental component we will need to prepare for but also provides a great opportunity to be the first Newtown girls’ lacrosse team to win a state title. The girls and coaching staff are eager for the chances we have to be successful as a team,” Fletcher said.

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