Newtown High School’s girls’ volleyball season begins with challenging nonconference clashes and the defending conference runners-up Nighthawks will look to sharpen their skills and then pile up wins in South-West Conference play as the fall unfolds.

The slate got underway September 7 with Woodstock Academy traveling to Newtown; the Nighthawks won 3-0. The Nighthawks, after hosting East Lyme and St Joseph of Trumbull — back to back, September 11 and 12, both at 5:30 pm — will have their first competition with an SWC rival as Masuk of Monroe visits Monday, September 18 at 6 pm. A rematch of last year’s title match will take place September 20, when the Hawks visit Joel Barlow of Redding at 5:30 pm.

Newtown follows up the Barlow match with more early-season nonconference tests with a visit to Fairfield Ludlowe and participation in the John Jay Tournament. Then comes another clash with Barlow, this time at home, as the Hawks continue their tough early schedule and get fully into SWC play for the duration.

Coach Tom Czaplinski’s goals are the same as always: Win the South-West Conference and make a run in the state playoffs. “We always want to win,” said the coach, who is fueled, in part, by a tough, five-set loss to Amity of Woodbridge in last year’s Class LL state playoff second round.

Athleticism is a strength of the squad. “It’s a very athletic group of girls,” Czaplinski said. “We’re just trying to improve team chemistry and the culture of the team.”

Captains had yet to be named as the preseason unfolded this week. The Hawks are led by seniors Zosia Teraszkiewicz (outside hitter), Gabby Soltis (setter) and Liz Anesi and Amaro Beard-Galati (middle hitters). Other returning players who the Hawks will look to for strong play are outside hitter Gianna Galassi and libero Emily Daoust.

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