By Kim J. Harmon

NEW FAIRFIELD – It seems as if the newcomers on the Newtown High School girls’ tennis team are quickly proving their mettle in the 2003 season.

The Lady Nighthawks defeated the Lady Rebels of New Fairfield 6-1 on Monday to push their early record to 2-0 overall. Except for Brittany Meier at No. 2 doubles and Emily Fields and Stephanie Corleto at No. 3 doubles, the ‘Hawks breezed through the match on a warm and sunny afternoon.

“This was a good win for us because last year we barely beat them (4-3),” said head coach Jean Kunkel.

Caroline Kunkel raised her personal record to 1-1 with a 6-0, 6-1 win over Sam Karlin at No. 1 singles. Meier suffered the only loss on the day with a 6-1, 5-7, 2-6 defeat at the hands of Jessica Bennett (who is, interestingly, the daughter of Betsy Freeman, the sister of former Newtown tennis superstar Woody Freeman).

“Caroline dominated,” said coach Kunkel. “She really looked like a No. 1 player with a very consistent game and many outright winners. Brit could have won her match, but I think the windy conditions really bothered her. Plus, Jessica took a lot of momentum into the third set after winning the second set tiebreaker.”

Tara Ryan slipped past Alex Robertson 6-1, 6-1 at No. 3 doubles and Michelle Serock clipped Angela Nastasia 6-0, 6-3 at No. 4 singles.

After Kim Allen and Christina Andrews defeated Nicole Marvin and Brittany Urbach 6-2, 6-1 at No. 1 doubles and Ashley Gabor and Jillian Tanner defeated Katja Critides and Katie Champion 6-0, 6-3 at No. 2 doubles, Fields and Corleto got locked into a tough match with Stephanie Prager and Kim Rodgers, but still earned a 6-1, 5-7, 6-2 win.

“Christina and Kim are mature, experienced players,” said coach Kunkel. “Christina threw up some beautiful lobs, right after New Fairfield won a few points at net, and that stopped all their momentum. Jill and Ashley are improving with each match. And Steph Corleto had her debut at No. 3 doubles with Emily, and though they let their nerves get to them in the second set a bit but won the tie break in the deciding set.

The ‘Hawks were slated to take on Notre Dame on Wednesday. The ‘Hawks will then host Weston on Friday and Stratford on Monday before traveling to Bethel on Wednesday, April 30.