While Parkland has been designated as favorites for the Lehigh Valley Conference crown this fall, Northampton quietly has been emerging as a true sleeper pick in the conference, a pick that has made it a joy to see double.

However, the Konkrete Kids could also soon surface as a legitimate favorite to win the LVC title.

With a 6-1 win over Easton Monday, the Kids kept their season unscathed with a stellar 8-0 mark. Last season, the Kids had a banner season in which they posted an overall 16-3 mark, (12-2 Lehigh Valley Conference) eventually having their season end in a loss to Parkland in the district playoffs.

Two of their doubles' teams advanced to the quarterfinal round of the district tournament and singles player Brittany Hodge also made it to the quarterfinal round.

This season, head coach Eileen Carbone credits her team's play to her doubles' pairings.

"We have had very strong doubles play this season," said Carbone. "That has really made the difference for us. Our top two doubles teams have done very well, but our three and four doubles teams have really fought through some tough matches.

"In the past, Northampton was always known for its strong doubles play. Over the past two years, we have been working hard to re-establish that play, and it really appears to be working for us this year."

Darby, Madi, and Avery McCall, all seniors who will play the number one, two, and three singles respectfully, have also helped fuel the Kids' doubles' play. Darby and Maddie play the number one doubles slot, while Avery and Leah Hodge will play number two.

Georgia Weaver and Emily Moss have been steady contributors to the Kids' effort as the number three doubles' team, while Boglarka Jordan and Sabrina Seecrock have established themselves from the number four slot.

Yet, staying under the radar might be a preferred route for the Kids' this fall.

"It's not bad keeping a low profile," Carbone said. "We know this is a strong league and we know we have to continue to prove ourselves. There have been some matches I didn't know how we would fare against some teams, but these girls have been pretty resilient. They knew what we accomplished last season and how hard it took us to reach that level.

"This season, they came in very focused and they went to work. We lost some girls from last year, but these girls took it upon themselves to try and get back to the level we were last year. Some of the girls played often in the offseason and I can see what a difference it has made."

Carbone expects her squad to be further challenged when they will meet Parkland, Central Catholic, and Bethlehem Catholic in the next few weeks.

"We know what is ahead for us," said Carbone. "But these girls are playing with a lot of confidence right now. They have to keep working and we'll be right there."