Event flexibility and experience can be significant in swimming and Newtown High School’s girls’ swim and dive squad has a veteran-led multitalented lineup in the pool this fall.

“We are fortunate enough right now that we have a good core group coming back this year with a lot of very versatile swimmers,” Coach Becky Osborne said.

Osborne and the rest of the coaching staff will have some options to move swimmers around as the season unfolds and the Nighthawks look to make some waves near the top of the South-West Conference.

Defending champion Pomperaug of Southbury, which dethroned seven-time winner Weston (runners-up a year ago), are again the likely teams to beat, with Newtown in the mix along with Bethel/Immaculate of Danbury as a team contending for one of the top few spots.

“We had a very solid season last year and we hope to build on it this season,” Osborne said.

Captains are Ella Seaver (freestyle and backstroke), Ella Hall (diver), Grace Fischer (breaststroke), and Anna Shew (distance freestyle).

The Hawks are bolstered by group of divers that includes Nicole Gutrie, Ryann Los, and Geneva Whorf. Swimmers to watch, in addition to the captains, include Diellza Limani (freestyle), Alexa Kwarcinski (breaststroke and freestyle), Zoe Petertonjes (all strokes), Maddy Watson (freestyle), Noelle Marrazzo (freestyle), and Lauren Smiley (distance freestyle). Fischer and Kwarcinski had some record-setting performances last fall and stand to reset pool and team marks this campaign.

“We are hoping to finish top three in the SWC and have individuals and relays make it to States and State Opens,” Osborne said. “As always, I love swim season. It’s really exciting to get back in the pool and work with this team. We’ve got a really great group of coaches and a great group of athletes.”

The season opens with a tough test Tuesday, September 12, when Pomperaug of Southbury visits at 5 pm.

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