There will be a new conference feel but continued challenges along the way, Newtown Coach Adam Bourret anticipates, as his Newtown High School’s girls’ soccer team vies to be in the mix for a South-West Conference Championship this fall.

“Last year’s SWC was loaded with talent, as three teams from our conference were represented in state semifinal games. Many of the talented athletes on those teams have graduated, so the conference will look much different this season as programs reload. We always expect tough games from our neighbors at Masuk (of Monroe), Pomperaug (of Southbury), and Brookfield. And Notre Dame-Fairfield continually proves it’s one of the best teams in the state year after year,” Bourret said.

Notre Dame-Fairfield defeated Brookfield in the last two SWC championships and Brookfield has been to each of the last three, falling to Weston in 2021. Notre Dame and Brookfield reached the Class LL and Class L State Championship games, respectively, last year.

“Beyond the expected goals of finishing in the top four, competing for the SWC title, and earning a home game for the state tournament, our team has three main goals. We want our players to improve their individual skills each day, develop a tactical understanding of their formation and positions, and continue to build team chemistry on and off the field,” Coach Adam Bourret said.

Captains are defender Aashni Shetty, midfielders Brooke Jackson and Leah Morris, and forward Lola Kessler.

The back line of Jamie Rowan, Maddie Gioiele, Shetty, Ana Morris, and Hannah Stowe (a few weeks away from returning from ACL surgery) returns, and the addition of Taylor LeRow provides depth to the defense. With so much experience on defense the Nighthawks will be tough to break down, Bourret said.

Once opposing offenses get chances it will be up to Grace Newsom or Penelope Warren who are competing for the starting goalkeeper position.

Addie O’Leary returns from injury, and will join Jackson, Eren Weiss, Faith Weir, and Teagan Waaler in the central midfield positions. Lyla Kopp, Leah Morris, Blake Heim and freshman Sadie Singlak will fill the outside midfield role. Lola Kessler and Brooke Bulkley will be forward options.

“We have young or inexperienced players at most of our attacking positions. We hope we can get them to become a cohesive unit early in the season,” Bourret said.

The Nighthawks are excited to get back at it and had a nice tune-up with a jamboree at Treadwell Park on August 24. Newtown faced a variety of teams from around the state, including familiar SWC foes and tough competition from the FCIAC.

“Each season is exciting, and we think we have the ability to compete with all the top teams, and we think we have a lot to prove,” Newtown’s coach said.

This fall begins with four straight road games, the season-opener at Pomperaug on Thursday, September 5, at 7 pm. NHS has a nonconference test at Fairfield Ludlowe Saturday, September 7, at 10 am. After visiting Brookfield on Tuesday, September 10, and Bunnell of Stratford Thursday, September 12, both at 6 pm, the Hawks will have their first home contest as Weston visits Blue & Gold Stadium Tuesday, September 17 in another 6 o’clock clash.

Matchups with Notre Dame and Masuk are not until the stretch run of the regular campaign, which wraps up with a visit to Suffield on Saturday, October 19, at 1 pm.

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