Catasauqua second-year head coach Carrie Saul knows she has to be patient.

Her club's 4-4 record through their first eight games isn't alarming at this point.

"So far, so good," stated Saul. "Everything seems to be going according to plan. We did lose six senior starters and that was a big loss. But the girls appear to be adjusting to the new system in place. I have four returning players and some younger players in the lineup, so we are learning as we go along."

Saul credited the play of junior Gabby Bachman and her sister sophomore Quinn Bachman, both of whom have spearhead the Roughies' attack.

Sophomore Hannah Edwards also has started well for the Roughies. Quinn Bachman began the week with a team-high seven goals.

"Quinn has really stepped it up for us," said Saul. "She (Bachman) has really worked well with Edwards. Gabby (Bachman) has also done a good job for us and really improved during the first week."

Junior Shiloh Sziy also has been playing well in the opening weeks of the season.

"(Sziy) has really stepped up from playing JV last year," added Saul. "Her skill level has really increased and so has her confidence. W e expect her to have a good finish for us."

Senior Janae Matos continues to be a mainstay in the nets.

She has already recorded three shutouts through the first eight games.

"Janae (Matos) has been steady for us," said Saul. "She is real leader on this team and has helped the younger players adjust well. She should have a big year for us and we have to play solid in front of her."

Saul is anxious to see how her club reacts to playing the Colonial League Southern Division. They began with a 6-2 defeat to Moravian Academy Monday.

The Roughies also are looking forward to a rematch with Pen Argyl, who defeated Catty 3-2 Sept. 6.

Yet, the bottom line for the Roughies will be getting back to districts with a winning record this fall. Last season, Catty qualified with an overall 8-10 record and a .500 mark in their division.

"We're looking forward to seeing what we can do against the other division," said Saul. "I think they can come together and mesh well as a unit down the stretch. The girls have a good chemistry and they are anxious to get back to districts."