With the Northampton field hockey program, it is not a matter of rebuilding. Instead, it is a matter of retooling.

The Konkrete Kids lost six starters from last year’s 11-9 team, and they did bring back a number of players. That might be reflective in their 4-3 start this season.

Northampton suffered recent losses to Stroudsburg (3-1) and Emmaus (4-0) before they bounced back with a 8-0 blowout win over Northern Lehigh.

“We had a good game against Emmaus,” said Saul. “We stuck to our game plan and we were able to frustrate them. We just have to be able to finish.”

“We lost some people from last year, but we have filled in,” said head coach Carrie Saul. “We have returned about half the starting lineup, and we have a big junior class. That class has stepped up to fill some roles.

“We can start to see them turning the corner now.”

Saul has been pleased with the steady play of senior goalie Kadee Schrader, who is a three-year starter and a two-time All-East Penn Conference (EPC) player.

“She has been a mainstay in the cage,” said Saul. “She really sets the tone for us.”

Junior midfield Ella Steirer has been solid, and fellow junior Raegan Iasiello has also been a force in the middle.

Junior forward Kendall Iasiello –her twin sister – is the team’s leading scorer with eight goals and two assists, and sophomore Brooke Saul –the coach’s daughter – has four goals and two assists.

Freshmen Grace Roberts and Julia Behnke both have made their mark.

“They both have been coming along nicely,” added Saul. “We have a11 freshmen on the roster, so we can build from there.”

Saul realizes the regular season crunch time is just around the corner.

“We have a pretty busy schedule ahead,” she said. “I think we are starting to round into form. We’ll have to play to our strengths.”