Lehigh Bethlehem Connie Mack head coach Keith Lehman knew he has a club filed with many players in their final year of eligibility. Still, he didn't envision this year being a breakout season.

Through his team's first six games, Lehman has been pleasantly surprised with his squad having an unblemished, 6-0 record and sitting atop the league standings. Lehman admittedly had doubts returning two junior varsity players apiece from Liberty and Bethlehem Catholic, the four lone players with high school experience.

"No, I really didn't anticipate it," said Lehman in response to his club's fast start. "We are off to a good start like we have been the last couple of seasons. We had a very strong team last year, and we did lose a number of guys.

"But we have had 15 guys and any one of them can deliver for us on any given night."

Lehman stated how his four man staff comprised of Casey Clearie, Mike Lancaster, Mike Lehman and Vinny Marfisi have been a major key to their early success.

"We have four strong pitchers and these guys are getting it done," said Lehman of his starting staff. "These guys have been very solid for us. It will be important for us to have them continue their success."

Along with their success on the mound, Lancaster, Lehman and John Sawyer also have been among the team's leading hitters all season. Cleary and Mike Miller also have contributed their share of big hits in critical situations this season.

In addition, Lehman has watched his team battle through their share of character builders, as they recently won close tussles with Fullerton and West Allentown. His squad has benefitted from basically maintaining its assigned schedule, and avoiding the revamped rainout schedule.

"Those were two close games and good reality checks for us," he said. "We won a 12-11 game against West Allentown and I wasn't sure we would get that one. But it is a testament for the kids to be able to pull this out.

"But I believe we can continue to win games and the close ones, too. This has been a true team effort, and we have had different heroes every night. We have also been fortunate that we have had only one rainout, and we don't have a number of games backed up like most teams."

Down the stretch, Lehman will have his club focused on getting back to the state tournament in the next few weeks.

"We think we can get there again," said Lehman. "We're looking to make a run like we did last year. We just need to keep playing well together."