For the Northampton boys' tennis team, it has been working to achieve a series of goals this season.

Their main objective is to reach district play and also to have a .500 or better season, goals they can potentially achieve within a two-week period.

"We expect to be better than we are," said head coach Kim Davis, whose club began the week with an overall 4-6 record. "But the guys have been playing really well. What hurt us were three disappointing losses, all matches we likely should have won."

Davis noted those losses were dropping a 4-3 decision to Pocono Mountain East, a 5-2 decision to Easton and a 5-2 decision to Bethlehem Catholic. Against Becahi, the Kids won the first two matches and then lost five straight.

"We were in positions to win those matches," added Davis. "We had Pocono Mountain (East) and Easton and both let them go. It was heartbreaking, but the kids have moved on and responded well."

Davis has been pleased with the play of his number one and two players, seniors Jeff Rybitski and Josh Schoenberger respectively.

"Jeff (Rybitski) is a four-year guy and has been just terrific," boasted Davis. "He has had only one loss and that was in the Emmaus match. He has really been focused all season for us. Josh (Schoenberger) has also had a great season for us. He has really picked up his play this season."

Junior Tyler Nicholas has also been consistent from his number three spot and he has formed an effective number two doubles tandem with junior Andrew Burger. Fellow juniors Andrew Serensits and Justin Burger have been manning the Kids' number three doubles.

Also in the mix for the Kids will be their number four doubles team of junior Dave Wasilko and freshman Tom Reinhard, who have been improving throughout the season. Seniors Nate Xander and Dave Galloway are also another doubles combination for the team.

Rounding out the team for the Kids are juniors Kevin Kunkle, Zac Miller, Ross Miller, and John Yeaw, all of whom will see action this year.

To achieve their main goal of reaching districts this season, Davis envisions his club needing to win in four of its final five matches. They had Pleasant Valley Monday, Whitehall Tuesday, and Parkland, Thursday. They will finish the regular season against Nazareth and Pocono Mountain West. The Kids also can finish a suspended match with Liberty that was deadlocked at 3-3 with the number one seeds left to play.

"Theoretically, we could win four out of five matches," offered Davis. "Pleasant Valley will be a tough one. The other team are pretty much dead even with us. We hope those matches we let get away don't come back to haunt us.

"Whatever happens, these kids have been working hard and they are a good group to work with. We just want to finish on a high note."