Coming off a tough-to-swallow runner-up finish to Weston, in which just a half a point decided things, in last year’s South-West Conference championships, Newtown High School’s girls’ track and field squad — needless to say — is hungry for redemption.

“I think we’re going to be contenders for the conference championship this year,” said Doug Russell, coach of the Nighthawks. “The girls are motivated and prepared to do well.”

The Nighthawks are led by captains Micaela Nowacki (shot-put, discus, and javelin; All-New England in the discus throw), Emma Lloyd (pole vault, long jump, and triple jump), Shelby Tolla (4x100 meter relay, 400, and 4x400), and Hannah Booth (mid distance events).

Other key team members include thrower Annika Alexander; jumpers Lauren Russo (pole vault and long/triple jump), Cameron Vazquez (high jump), and Mandy Mele (high jump); 4x100 participants Hailey Conrad (also open 400, and a State Open qualifier), Shay Fahey, and Shelby Tolla; hurdler Makenna Cerney; and distance runners Sarah Mawdsley, Jess Keller, Emma Bayuk, and Erin Tressler.

Russell is assisted by Charlotte Manos, Laura McLean, and Natalie Clavette.

The girls are set to open the season on April 21 when they, along with Pomperaug of Southbury, visit Kolbe Cathedral of Bridgeport for a 4 pm meet.

The boys’ team, coached by Tom Brant, should be deep in the distance events, led by captains David Csordas and Christopher Gamble. Other captains Peter Manfredonia (thrower) and Gus Purto (sprinter/ relays) should be key contributors; and Jack Godfrey adds depth to the throwing contingent.

Former Newtown High and current road race standout Kevin Hoyt is back to help coach the distance runners, and joins assistants Liz Linfante and Bob Terry.

The sprinting corps is being rebuilt with some new-to-track participants who bring athleticism and speed from the soccer team, Brant said.

The coach is hopeful that an early-season test in the New York Relays, April 17–18, will help prepare the team for a solid season.

The Newtown boys will host their first conference meet of the campaign when Kolbe Cathedral and Pomperaug visit at 4 pm on April 20.