By Kim J. Harmon

Even as the Newtown High School boys’ tennis team was breezing through a South-West Conference match against New Fairfield at Treadwell Park on Monday afternoon, it understood that some tough challenges lay just over the horizon.

The Nighthawks moved to 2-0 on the season with a comfortable 7-0 sweep of the Rebels. But poised on the schedule – on Friday, at 3:45 pm – is a visit to Weston that might speak volumes on the current hierarchy in the SWC.

“The team is likely to be tested more severely,” admitted coach Marty Margulies.

There was little to test the ‘Hawks on Monday. In the entire singles portion of the match, the ‘Hawks allowed just one point – that in John Perachio’s 6-0, 6-1 win over Ben Laso at No. 1 singles. Matt McFadden defeated John Libric at No. 2 singles, Justin Bass defeated Kyle Morrell at No. 3 singles, and Jason Garbarino defeated Nick Kalinka at No. 4 singles all with 6-0, 6-0 sweeps.

Mark Stephenson and Matt Lask made short work of Adrian Noda and Matt Iaglro at No. 1 doubles (6-2, 6-0) while Drew Adamek and Max Margulies slipped by Sean Penchoff and Felipe Morin at No. 2 doubles (6-0, 6-3).

In the most contested part of the entire match, Peter Kim and Jim Wilkins had to rally back at No. 3 doubles to clip Sean Schwalbe and Jason Merrit 2-6, 6-2, 7-6 (10-8).

“All the players below Perachio moved up to fill in for co-captain and second singles player Sean O’Mahoney, who was away on a college visit,” said coach Margulies. “Garbarino – normally a doubles player – was impressive playing singles for the first time this year. And freshmen Peter Kim and Jim Wilkins made a gritty debut in the third doubles slot, rebounding from a first set loss and staving off a match point to win a tiebreaker.”

The ‘Hawks were scheduled to host Notre Dame on Wednesday and after their trip to Weston on Friday, they will host Bethel on Wednesday, April 30.