The Northampton boys tennis team has had a strong start to the 2014 season, but after defeating William Allen (6-1), Jim Thorpe (4-1) and Pocono Mountain East (5-2), Northampton suffered its first loss to Wilson on March 24. by a score of 5-2.

As the team prepared to host Emmaus on March 27, the team's focus was on consistency and teamwork.

Northampton, led by 11 seniors, is high on passion and spirit but low on experience, particularly in its singles play. The team lost their top two singles players this year (LVC all-star Geoff Rybitsky and LVC silver medalist Josh Schoenberger) so developing new talent for their singles matches has been a top priority.

So, the team is turning to singles players Tyler Nicholas, Dave Wasilko, Tom Reinhard and Corey Cowitch to help maintain points in their singles matches.

"We are working on fundamentals," explained coach Kim Davis. "Our goal is to be as consistent as possible."

Although the team's singles play is a focus area for growth, doubles remains a strength this year for Northampton. In their recent contest against Emmaus, Northampton took two of four doubles matches. The duo of Kevin Kunkle and Zach Miller defeated Emmaus by a score of 6-2 in two sets. Northampton's Ross Miller and John Yeaw also bested Emmaus by scores of 6-3 and 6-1.

In singles, Northampton's Tom Reinhard defeated Emmaus' Austin Throet in two sets with scores of 6-2 and 6-4. But, in the end, Northampton fell to Emmaus by a score of 4-3.

While this was a tough loss, Davis remains extremely positive on the team's performance and their ability to work together and motivate each other.

"Our standout has been our performance as team," reflected Davis. "We need to feed off each other during matches."

Northampton will host league opponents Bethlehem Catholic on April 3 and Liberty on April 4. Both contests will begin at 3:30 p.m.