Northampton's field hockey team is off to a fast start.

Coach Kelly Backenstoe, "hopes we can maintain our high intensity."

The Konkrete Kids have shut out four of their five opponents thus far this season and are 4-0 in the new Eastern Pennsylvania Conference.

Northampton blanked Bethlehem Catholic 5-0 last Thursday as senior Megan Wiest scored four goals, then Monday the Kids shut out Suburban Division contender Parkland 1-0 with "an outstanding defense and opportunistic offense."

A rebound goal by sophomore Hallie Muffley was the game's only score in the win over the Trojans and came at the 14:53 mark in the second half as she tipped in the ball after sophomore Emily Henry lifted the ball toward the bucket. Henry's shot came after Wiest started a breakaway play with midfield steal.

Meanwhile, goalies Shannon Dalton (a junior) and Ashley Kunsman (a sophomore) came up with 11 saves -- five by Dalton in the first half and six by Kunsman in the second half.

"We ultimately dominated the game as we attacked with pressure for the entire 60 minutes," said Backenstoe. "Our defense was led by seniors Makenna Marhefka and Kasey Frey and juniors Kiersten Schmall, Emily Schwartz and MaKenzie Kistler.

"It was a total team effort and I think it was a good preparation for our Emmaus game."

The Kids entertained Emmaus, the perennial league and District 11 power, Wednesday night which was too late for this edition.

"We communicated well and I hope it (the intensity) carries over [for the Emmaus game]," Backenstoe said.

The coach also hopes her JV team's win last year at Emmaus is a harbinger.

In last Thursday's win at Becahi, Wiest's four goals boosted her season total to nine of the Kids' 17 goals. Marhefka had the Kids' fifth goal against Becahi and senior Rachel Heimbach, juniors Katie Wasilko and Kistler and sophomore Henry all had assists.

Northampton's schedule had Emmaus at home last night, then a visit to Whitehall Friday before visiting Allen for a nonleague game Saturday afternoon.

Next week the Kids entertain Stroudsburg on Tuesday before visiting Pocono Mountain East and Lehighton on Thursday and Friday, respectively.